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The Harrowing Injury Suffered by Ismael Kone in Canada vs Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2026
The Maple Leafs midfielder was stretchered off in tears following this incident.
The Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone went around the world after the heartbreaking injury he suffered during Canada’s 6–0 victory over Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2026, at Vancouver Stadium on home soil.
THE PAINFUL PLAY
The incident occurred in the 51st minute following a hard tackle by Qatari player Assim Madibo. Chilean referee Cristian Garay initially showed a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red card. Koné received treatment on the pitch but had to leave on a stretcher due to a fracture in his left leg.
HIS HEARTBREAKING EXIT
The match was halted for several minutes and the atmosphere grew tense. Koné was taken to hospital for medical tests, and reports suggest the injury could rule him out for the rest of the tournament, with a possible tibia and fibula fracture. An official update from the Canadian national team is expected.
Images of his broken leg spread rapidly around the world and sparked widespread reactions on social media due to their shocking nature. His teammates tried to shield him from view, but unsuccessfully, and the 24-year-old Sassuolo midfielder could not hold back his tears.
