Canada’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was overshadowed by a devastating injury to midfielder Ismael Kone in Vancouver.
The Canadian star suffered a broken leg following a heavy challenge from Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo in the 50th minute of the match.
Madibo was immediately penalised for the foul, but attention quickly turned to Kone as nearby players reacted in shock after seeing the extent of the injury to his left leg.
Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch and treated the midfielder before placing him on a stretcher. Kone was also given oxygen as medics prepared to take him off the field.
Despite the painful ordeal, the 24-year-old showed remarkable courage, giving a reassuring thumbs-up to supporters as he was carried away to a standing ovation from the crowd.
The injury cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a dominant performance from the tournament co-hosts, who produced one of the most convincing displays of the World Cup so far.
Canada will now await further medical assessments on Kone, whose absence could prove a significant blow to their hopes of making a deep run in the competition.
