Ismael Kone is likely to miss the remainder of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a horrific ankle injury during Canada’s group match against Qatar on Thursday.
The Sassuolo midfielder has reportedly broken his fibula and tibia and is expected to be out for more than three months, ruling him out of the quadrennial tournament.
Kone was brought down by Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo in the 53rd minute, with the offender shown a red card shortly afterwards. Kone winced in pain and left the field on a stretcher to the cheers of thousands of home fans.
Nathan Saliba replaced the injured one and scored a brilliant goal from a free kick – the first such goal in this World Cup – before pulling up Kone’s jersey to dedicate the goal to him.
Nathan Saliba holds up Ismael Kone’s shirt after scoring for Canada against Qatar in their FIFA World Cup match. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Nathan Saliba holds up Ismael Kone’s shirt after scoring for Canada against Qatar in their FIFA World Cup match. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Canadian coach Jesse Marsch later revealed that Madibo came to their locker room and apologized to Kone for the challenge.
Qatar conceded six goals to their co-hosts in what was their heaviest World Cup defeat and are all but out of the tournament and bottom of Group A.
Canada, on the other hand, achieved its first World Cup victory thanks to a hat-trick from Jonathan David. It ends the group stage against Switzerland on June 25 and already has one foot in the round of 32.
Published on June 19, 2026
