Top News

Canadian international midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a horrific leg injury during the Group B encounter against Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who plays for Sassuolo, sustained the injury shortly after half-time when Canada were already leading 3-0 against a Qatar side that had been reduced to ten men. The incident occurred following a strong challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo, for which the midfielder was initially shown a yellow card before the VAR review upgraded it to a straight red.

Play came to a halt as players from both sides formed a protective circle around Kone while medical staff rushed onto the field. The Canadian was treated on the pitch for several minutes before being stretchered away. Emergency personnel provided him with oxygen as he was wheeled off, and Kone managed to wave to the crowd at BC Place in Vancouver.

Earlier in the first half, Qatar had already gone down to ten men when Homam Elamim was sent off for a last-man foul. Madibo’s dismissal later reduced Julen Lopetegui’s side to nine players, with the midfielder appearing visibly distraught after realising the extent of Kone’s injury.

Canada’s forward Jonathan David was overcome with emotion, shedding tears as the team gathered together before the match resumed. The game was delayed for around five minutes while Kone received treatment and was stabilised.

The tackle and subsequent injury significantly changed the mood inside BC Place. What had been a jubilant atmosphere, with fans celebrating what looked to be Canada’s first-ever World Cup Finals victory, quickly turned sombre as concern grew for the injured midfielder.

Reports indicate that Kone, previously of Watford and Rennes, is expected to miss the remainder of the tournament due to the severity of his leg injury.