Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone sustained a broken leg in a shocking incident during the World Cup, while his team celebrated a 6-0 victory against Qatar in Vancouver.
The injury occurred when Kone was challenged by Qatar’s Assim Madibo, who was subsequently penalized for the foul in the 50th minute.
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Nearby players reacted with shock at the sight of Kone’s injury. Medics quickly transported him on a stretcher and administered oxygen, while Kone managed to give a thumbs up to the cheering crowd as he left the field.
Madibo, visibly distressed by the situation, received a yellow card from referee Cristian Marcelo Garay Reyes but was later issued a red card following a VAR review.
Shortly after the incident, midfielder Nathan Saliba paid tribute to Kone by raising his shirt after scoring Canada’s fourth goal.
Nathan Saliba raises Ismael Kone’s shirt aloft (Reuters)
The match concluded with a scuffle between the two benches along the touchline, seemingly ignited by a tense handshake between managers Jesse Marsch and Julen Lopetegui.
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“Ismael is an incredible young man, and though he has his flaws, that’s part of what makes us love him,” commented Canada’s head coach Marsch after the game. “He possesses unique talents that others can’t match and is a key part of our team. He was our standout player against Bosnia, and his absence will be felt deeply. Our thoughts are with him, and we believe he has a bright future ahead.”
Kone plays for Serie A club Sassuolo and has been the focus of transfer rumors recently, with several major European clubs expressing interest in the 24-year-old. This match marked his first World Cup appearance.
Teammate and centre-back Moise Bombito added, “Ismael’s injury is a significant loss for us. He is an extraordinary person, and he will be greatly missed. We just need to make him proud.”