Canada’s Ismael Kone was stretchered off the pitch after a horrific challenge in their 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday.
Kone was brought down by Assim Madibu in the 53rd minute and the midfielder winced in pain as he held his ankle. The Canadian medical team rushed to the field to help the player as his teammates surrounded him.
Who is Ishmael Kone?
Ismael Kone is a 24-year-old midfielder who plays for Sassuolo in Serie A. Kone graduated from CF Montreal’s academy before breaking into the senior team in 2021.
He then moved to England, played for Watford for two seasons and has been in Italy with Sassuolo since 2025.
Kone played all matches for Canada at the previous World Cup, and started both matches for Les Rouges on home soil this edition.
What happened to Ismael Kone in Canada vs. Qatar?
Ismael’s exact injury is not yet known, but according to local reports he may have twisted or even broken his ankle during the challenge.
After the foul, Cristian Garay showed a direct red card to Madibu, leaving Qatar down to nine men with forty minutes to go.
The lower part of Kone’s body was covered as he was lifted onto a stretcher. He was eventually carried off the field as the home crowd cheered him on and chanted his name. The midfielder acknowledged the support with a thumbs up.
Kone’s teammate, Jonathan David, was seen in tears as the midfielder left the field.
Will Ismael Kone play again in FIFA World Cup 2026?
It is difficult to come to conclusions without a proper diagnosis of the injuries. Recovery from ankle injuries can take anywhere from a week to about nine months.
Mild ankle sprains can leave a player out anywhere from one to three weeks, the minimum estimated recovery time for an ankle injury. Meanwhile, fractures can keep a player out for at least six weeks.
As a result, Kone remains doubtful for the rest of the tournament, and post-match scans are said to reveal his fate on home soil.
Published on June 19, 2026
