H. Vanaken

Club Brugge KV · UEFA Nations League · Midfielder · #20 · Belgium · 33 yrs

Overview Career Statistics Transfers Trophies Sidelined Injuries News

H. Vanaken

Midfielder · #20

Legal name: Hans Vanaken
Age: 33
Nationality: Belgium
Height: 195
Weight: 77
Preferred foot: —
Injured: No
Current club: Club Brugge KV CLU

Player headlines

Is Lamine Yamal playing? Spain vs Belgium confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game

worldsoccertalk.com · 2 weeks ago

Spain and Belgium face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash, with a place in the semifinals on the line. The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals continue at Los Angeles Stadium, where Spain and Belgium clash in a crucial match as both look to book their place among the tournament’s final four teams. Spain stumbled into the tournament with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde, but have looked sharper with every match since, cruising to the top of Group H before thrashing Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging out Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 on a late Mikel Merino strike. Much of the attention heading into Friday’s match falls on Lamine Yamal. The young forward has managed just a single goal through five appearances this tournament and will start today alongside Mikel Oyarzabal, who is leading the squad with four goals. Belgium, meanwhile, needed a dramatic turnaround to reach this stage, coming from behind to beat Senegal in extra time after topping Group G, before putting together their most complete performance of the tournament in a 4-1 rout of the USMNT to reach the quarterfinals. Charles De Ketelaere #17 of Belgium celebrates a goal vs the USMNT. (Getty Images) Spain’s confirmed lineup Luis de la Fuente will make only one change to the lineup that eliminated Portugal, opting to use midfielder Fabian Ruiz from the start, leaving Pedri on the substitutes’ bench. Spain’s confirmed starting XI: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri,Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal. Belgium’s confirmed lineup Rudi Garcia will lean once again on Belgium’s veteran core, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield with a front line built for pace and directness. Belgium’s confirmed starting XI: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Nicolas Raskin; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Charles De Ketelaere.

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Belgium forced into last-minute team change after Youri Tielemans injury blow before Spain clash

independent.co.uk · 2 weeks ago

Tielemans sustained an injury in the warm-up and has been replaced by Hans Vanaken in the team to face Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals

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Belgium forced into last-minute team change after Youri Tielemans injury blow before Spain clash

sports.yahoo.com · 2 weeks ago

Tielemans sustained an injury in the warm-up and has been replaced by Hans Vanaken in the team to face Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals

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Why isn’t Youri Tielemans playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

worldsoccertalk.com · 2 weeks ago

The unexpected change raised plenty of questions, as Belgium lost one of its most important midfield figures before a massive clash against a Spain side chasing another World Cup title. Youri Tielemans was expected to play a crucial role for Belgium against Spain in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals, but the midfielder was suddenly removed from the starting lineup shortly before kickoff. The unexpected change raised plenty of questions, as Belgium will be without one of its most important midfield figures before a massive clash against a Spain side chasing another World Cup title. Belgium arrives at the match with growing confidence after overcoming several challenges during the tournament. The Red Devils finished top of their group before producing dramatic knockout performances that restored belief in their chances of reaching the final stages. Rudi Garcia and his players survived a thrilling encounter against Senegal in the Round of 32, winning 3-2 after extra time after falling behind late in the match. The team then delivered one of its best performances of the tournament with a 4-1 victory over the United States, showing the attacking quality that made it a dangerous opponent. Spain, meanwhile, entered the quarter-final without conceding a single goal in the tournament, while also carrying a long unbeaten streak. Luis de la Fuente’s team had progressed through the competition with impressive control, combining defensive organization with the creativity of players such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Mikel Oyarzabal. 🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Belgium XI in the World Cup quarter-finals vs. Spain! 🇧🇪💫 pic.twitter.com/5hg9qUU1vs— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 10, 2026 Why Youri Tielemans is missing for Belgium Belgium entered the quarter-final hoping to continue its impressive turnaround at the tournament, but the team suffered an immediate blow before the match even started. Tielemans was forced out of the lineup after picking up an injury during the warm-up, leaving coach Rudi Garcia with no choice but to make a late adjustment. According to reports from BEIN Sports France’s John Ferreira and The Athletic, Tielemans experienced discomfort during the warm-up and was removed from the starting XI despite initially being named in the lineup. The change came only minutes before kickoff, with Belgium confirming the midfielder’s absence through its official channels. The Red Devils stated: “Following an injury during the warm-up, Youri Tielemans is replaced in the starting XI by Hans Vanaken.” A huge blow for Belgium with Youri Tielemans injured in the warm-up. Hans Vanaken has replaced him in midfield.Spain vs Belgium live blog: https://t.co/tc55WnqwYO pic.twitter.com/si70cV4O6V— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 10, 2026 The decision meant Hans Vanaken replaced Tielemans in midfield, joining Nicolas Raskin and Kevin De Bruyne as Belgium attempts to maintain its balance against one of the strongest teams in the competition. Major loss for Belgium’s midfield structure Tielemans’ absence represented a significant tactical problem for Belgium because of his ability to influence matches in several areas. The midfielder provides creativity, passing range, defensive work rate, and the ability to arrive in attacking positions at important moments. The 29-year-old had been one of Belgium’s key players during the 2026 World Cup campaign, helping the team navigate a difficult path toward the quarter-finals. His leadership and experience were especially valuable as Belgium attempted to challenge Spain’s dominant possession-based style. Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium celebrates a goal vs Senegal. The timing of the injury made the situation even more difficult. Belgium was preparing to face a Spain side that had been nearly impossible to break down, entering the match as the only team at the tournament yet to concede a goal. Without Tielemans, Garcia had to quickly reorganize his midfield setup and rely on Vanaken to provide a different prof

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Why isn’t Amadou Onana playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

worldsoccertalk.com · 2 weeks ago

His glaring absence casts a heavy shadow over this titanic clash, leaving supporters desperate for answers as to why the Aston Villa talisman has been sidelined for such a historic battle. A monumental trial awaits Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals against Spain, yet the Red Devils must march into the crucible missing their midfield anchor, Amadou Onana. His glaring absence casts a heavy shadow over this titanic clash, leaving supporters desperate for answers as to why the Aston Villa talisman has been sidelined for such a historic battle. The quarterfinal in Los Angeles brings together two of Europe’s strongest national teams, with Spain chasing a second World Cup title and Belgium hoping to reach the semifinals for the first time since its memorable run in 1986. While Luis de la Fuente’s squad enters the match with remarkable defensive form, Belgium has been forced into a major adjustment before kickoff. La Roja has enjoyed an impressive tournament under Luis de la Fuente. It topped its group before eliminating Austria and edging past Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic late winner. Belgium has also recovered from a slow start. After opening the tournament with two draws, the Red Devils responded with victories over New Zealand, Senegal and the United States, scoring 12 goals across those three matches. StageSpain’s ResultsBelgium’s ResultsGroup Stage Match 1Draw 0–0 vs. Cabo VerdeDraw 1–1 vs. EgyptGroup Stage Match 2Win 4–0 vs. Saudi ArabiaDraw 0–0 vs. IranGroup Stage Match 3Win 1–0 vs. UruguayWin 5–1 vs. New ZealandRound of 32Win 3–0 vs. AustriaWin 3–2 (AET) vs. SenegalRound of 16Win 1–0 vs. PortugalWin 4–1 vs. United States Rudi Garcia’s side produced one of its finest displays of the tournament by defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added further goals to secure Belgium’s place in the last eight. Why Amadou Onana is missing against Spain The lingering questions surrounding Amadou Onana’s absence have been met with a devastating reality. Belgium recently confirmed that their midfield warrior suffered a catastrophic ruptured ACL in his right knee during the fierce battle against the United States, cruelly ending his tournament and leaving a massive void in the heart of the squad. Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium reacts after sustaining an injury The injury occurred in the 18th minute when Onana challenged for the ball alongside United States forward Christian Pulisic. The Belgian immediately grabbed his right knee before receiving treatment from the medical staff and attempting to continue. Although he briefly returned to his feet, it quickly became clear he could not carry on. Belgium substituted him three minutes later, replacing him with Hans Vanaken in the 21st minute. Medical examinations later confirmed the worst fears for Belgium, Aston Villa and the player himself. Amadou Onana has suffered an ACL tear in Belgium's match vs. USA.Onana had to be subbed off early in the first-half after a non-contact injury. Clear valgus + pivoting mechanism as seen in the graphic.Expected Recovery Time: 9-12 months#Belgium #AVFC #WorldCup #WorldCup2026… pic.twitter.com/RBP5NPWp5k— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) July 7, 2026 Belgium confirms devastating diagnosis Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene revealed the extent of the injury after further testing. “This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team,” Hacene said. The Belgian medical staff has already begun coordinating with Aston Villa regarding the midfielder’s recovery. “We immediately consulted with Amadou and with Aston Villa to agree on the best approach to his recovery. Over the coming days, we will jointly determine the next steps in his medical treatment and rehabilitation.” Despite being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, Onana will stay with the Belgium squad through the quarterfinal to continue s

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World Cup Daily Recap: Spain Shatters Ronaldo’s Dream; Belgium Thrashes USA to Clear Out Co-Hosts

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

Adrian Sousa from Rabona TV breaks down a historic day of Round of 16 action as Cristiano Ronaldo bids an emotional farewell and the USMNT falls 4-1 to Belgium. The Round of 16 has officially brought down the curtain on a legendary career and completely cleared the tournament’s home field. On the latest edition of Rabona TV, Adrian Sousa dissects a momentous day of knockout football defined by late heartbreak, a devastating tactical blowout, and massive post-match managerial fallout. Listen to the full tactical post-mortem on Spotify to see how the Quarterfinal bracket is locking in. The emotional focal point of the world’s stage centered on an intensely cagey Iberian Derby in Dallas. With Portugal and Spain seemingly locked in a stalemate destined for extra time, Spanish substitute Mikel Merino struck a dagger in the 91st minute. The clinical finish secured a 1-0 victory for La Roja, sending them to the final eight and ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary World Cup journey. The 41-year-old icon left the pitch in tears, confirming this was his final tournament loop—a watershed moment followed quickly by manager Roberto Martínez stepping down as Portugal boss. Meanwhile, in Seattle, the final remaining co-host suffered a brutal tactical unraveling. Belgium tore a flat United States defensive line to shreds in a dominant 4-1 rout. Charles De Ketelaere bag loaded the first half with a clinical brace, before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku piled on the misery. Malik Tillman’s spectacular free kick provided the lone consolation for the USMNT, who bow out at the Round of 16 stage for a frustrating fourth consecutive time. The exit of the United States completes a clean sweep of heartbreak for the organizing continent, following closely behind the sudden departures of Canada and Mexico. Adrian concludes the show by breaking down how the remaining heavyweights stack up on the newly configured road to the final. You can stream the entire daily breakdown right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to get the complete analysis on the end of the Ronaldo era, tactical match ratings, and early Quarterfinal previews.

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BELGIUM THROUGH TO THE QUARTER-FINALS, USA AND PORTUGAL KNOCKED OUT

sports.yahoo.com · 3 weeks ago

Belgium secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over the United States in Seattle. De Ketelaere's brace and goals from both Vanaken and Lukaku sealed the victory for the Red Devil...

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Mauricio Pochettino delivers preliminary injury update on Christian Pulisic after USMNT defeat to Belgium

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

After the USMNT's 2026 World Cup exit against Belgium, head coach Mauricio Pochettino issued a preliminary injury update on star Christian Pulisic. Christian Pulisic‘s limping exit during the USMNT‘s 4-1 defeat to Belgium added another layer of concern to an already painful evening for the last host nation standing in the 2026 World Cup. Now eliminated in the Round of 16, head coach Mauricio Pochettino offered a preliminary update on his star player’s condition. As reported by The Athletic‘s Tom Bogert, Pochettino said at his post-match press conference that he believes Pulisic twisted his ankle after his failed shot attempt in the second half. Medical tests are still to follow to determine the full extent of the injury and whether it will pose a problem heading into the 2026-27 club season. With the USMNT trailing 2-1 at Seattle Stadium, Pulisic was one of the more dangerous American players looking to spark a comeback, but was unable to create a decisive chance. In the 52nd minute, he got into a shooting position from the edge of the box, only for Youri Tielemans to get a foot in and snuff out the opportunity at the last moment. Play was halted shortly after as Pulisic remained on the ground, having made contact with Tielemans’ foot as he attempted the shot. The stoppage did little to halt Belgium’s momentum, with Matt Freese spilling the ball moments later to allow Hans Vanaken to extend the lead to 3-1. Mauricio Pochettino says he thinks Christian Pulisic twisted his ankle but he hopes it's not serious and he'll be able to reintegrate with AC Milan ahead of the 2026-27 season. https://t.co/17NiEkxcpD— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) July 7, 2026 Unable to continue, Pulisic was substituted off in the 59th minute for Sebastian Berhalter, taking his place on the bench visibly emotional and unable to impact the game in front of the home supporters. Pochettino expressed hope that the injury is not serious and that his captain will be fit to return to AC Milan for the start of preseason preparations. With Ruben Amorim now at the helm in Milan, the club is building toward a new project under fresh leadership. A preseason tour of Scotland is scheduled for late July, with a friendly against Celtic in Glasgow on the 25th among the first fixtures planned, and the hope is that Pulisic will be fully recovered well before then. Pochettino on USMNT’s elimination: ‘It wasn’t our day’ The USMNT had shown real promise throughout the tournament, and Pochettino’s project appeared to be gaining momentum following the win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, only for Belgium to bring it to an abrupt end. Costly individual errors compounded the damage and ultimately sealed the fate of the last co-host still standing in the competition. With his contract situation still unresolved, Pochettino was candid and took personal responsibility at his post-match press conference: “I congratulate Belgium. They were better than us. That is not to find excuses, because we didn’t show what this team normally can show. We need to assess this game and we need to see why we didn’t approach it in the same way as the rest of the World Cup. Maybe the explanation is easy: it wasn’t our day, collectively or individually. Of course, the person with the most responsibility is myself. And yes, we need to see and check what we did, because it wasn’t the performance or the way that we normally play.“

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'Total calamity!' US gift Belgium a third goal

bbc.co.uk · 3 weeks ago

USA goalkeeper Matt Freese with a huge error in judgement as he gifts Belgium's Hans Vanaken the ball, leaving him with an easy finish that defender Tim Ream could've done more to stop. Errors all around as Belgium take control of the round of 16 tie.

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Is Jeremy Doku playing? Belgium vs Senegal confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

With Belgium clashing for a ticket to the Round of 16 against Senegal, questions rose over the presence of Jeremy Doku in the heated World Cup game. Belgium and Senegal are set to collide on Wednesday, July 1st, in a high-stakes Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup at Seattle Stadium. After the young winger temporarily stepped away from the national team camp, fans have been buzzing with questions regarding whether Jeremy Doku would return straight to the starting lineup for the Red Devils. Doku has officially been named to the starting XI to face Senegal in this crucial knockout match. After briefly leaving the team’s base camp to attend the birth of his son (which caused him to miss the group-stage match against Iran), the Manchester City winger made a seamless return to action against New Zealand and is now in peak physical condition to anchor the attack against the African powerhouse. Belgium enters the knockout rounds after snapping a frustrating streak of three consecutive World Cup draws (dating back to a scoreless stalemate with Croatia in 2022) by securing a dominant 5-1 blowout over New Zealand. By locking up the top spot in Group G with five points, the Red Devils are now desperate to erase a recent winless funk against African opposition, having previously fallen to Morocco 2-0 and settling for a 1-1 draw against Egypt earlier in this tournament. On the other side of the pitch, Senegal scraped into the knockout bracket by securing the final wild-card spot among the top third-place finishers, surviving the group phase with just three points. After opening their campaign with highly competitive 3-1 and 3-2 losses to France and Norway respectively, a resounding 5-0 clinical destruction of Iraq threw a much-needed lifeline to the Lions of Teranga, who are making the most of their fourth World Cup appearance in national history. Ben Old of New Zealand competes for the ball with Jeremy Doku of Belgium. A historic, first-ever meeting between two powerhouse nations Despite both programs consistently ranking among the top 20 nations in the world over the last decade, Belgium and Senegal have remarkably never crossed paths on the soccer pitch, not even in an international friendly. This means that tonight’s high-stakes Round of 32 battle will mark the first time these two teams have ever shared a field, opening up a brand-new head-to-head chapter on the sport’s grandest stage. Confirmed lineups for Belgium and Senegal Belgium’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku.Head coach: Rudi Garcia. Senegal’s confirmed lineups (4-2-3-1): Mory Diaw; Krepin Diatta, Pathe Ciss, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Idrissa Gana Gueye, Habib Diarra, Pape Gueye; Iliman Ndiaye,Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane.Head coach: Pape Thiaw.

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Is Jeremy Doku playing? New Zealand vs Belgium confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group G game

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

New Zealand and Belgium clash in a decisive 2026 World Cup match, with both nations looking for a spot in the Round of 32. The stakes could not be higher at Vancouver Stadium as New Zealand and Belgium face off in their final Group G fixture. Both nations enter this crucial 2026 World Cup Matchday 3 showdown with possibilities of securing their place in the Round of 32. New Zealand have shown plenty of fight without much reward, opening the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Iran before suffering a 3-1 defeat to Egypt. That result leaves the All Whites bottom of the group on just one point, meaning Darren Bazeley’s side face the biggest match in their World Cup history. For Belgium, the path has been frustratingly stagnant rather than disastrous. The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt before a second straight stalemate, this time a goalless draw against Iran, leaving Rudi Garcia’s men on two points and in need of three more to guarantee qualification out of Group G. For this crucial game, Jeremy Doku will be back in the starting team. The Manchester City winger briefly left the Belgium camp earlier in the tournament for the birth of his first child but has since rejoined the squad. Jeremy Doku of Belgium during the game vs Iran. (Getty Images) New Zealand confirmed lineup The only doubt for Darren Bazeley comes at left-back, where Liberato Cacace has not completed a full 90 minutes since returning from a long injury layoff, leaving the door open for Ben Old or Francis de Vries to come in. New Zealand’s confirmed starting XI: Max Crocombe; Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Tyler Bindon, Liberato Cacace; Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic; Ryan Thomas, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just; Chris Wood. Belgium confirmed lineup Garcia is forced into at least one change at the back, with Nathan Ngoy suspended after picking up a red card against Iran. Zeno Debast would ordinarily be the natural replacement, but fitness concerns mean Arthur Theate is instead tipped to slot in at center back. Belgium’s confirmed starting XI: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku; Charles De Ketelaere.

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H. Vanaken

H. Vanaken

Player headlines

Is Lamine Yamal playing? Spain vs Belgium confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game

Belgium forced into last-minute team change after Youri Tielemans injury blow before Spain clash

Belgium forced into last-minute team change after Youri Tielemans injury blow before Spain clash

Why isn’t Youri Tielemans playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

Why isn’t Amadou Onana playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

World Cup Daily Recap: Spain Shatters Ronaldo’s Dream; Belgium Thrashes USA to Clear Out Co-Hosts

BELGIUM THROUGH TO THE QUARTER-FINALS, USA AND PORTUGAL KNOCKED OUT

Mauricio Pochettino delivers preliminary injury update on Christian Pulisic after USMNT defeat to Belgium

'Total calamity!' US gift Belgium a third goal

Is Jeremy Doku playing? Belgium vs Senegal confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game

Is Jeremy Doku playing? New Zealand vs Belgium confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group G game

Player headlines

Is Lamine Yamal playing? Spain vs Belgium confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game

Belgium forced into last-minute team change after Youri Tielemans injury blow before Spain clash

Belgium forced into last-minute team change after Youri Tielemans injury blow before Spain clash

Why isn’t Youri Tielemans playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

Why isn’t Amadou Onana playing for Belgium against Spain at the 2026 World Cup?

World Cup Daily Recap: Spain Shatters Ronaldo’s Dream; Belgium Thrashes USA to Clear Out Co-Hosts

BELGIUM THROUGH TO THE QUARTER-FINALS, USA AND PORTUGAL KNOCKED OUT

Mauricio Pochettino delivers preliminary injury update on Christian Pulisic after USMNT defeat to Belgium

'Total calamity!' US gift Belgium a third goal

Is Jeremy Doku playing? Belgium vs Senegal confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game

Is Jeremy Doku playing? New Zealand vs Belgium confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group G game