Canada midfielder Ismael Kone is out for rest of FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering a serious injury against Qatar. Kone had surgery Friday for fractures in his lower left leg — tibia and fibula — after a tackle by Qatar's Assim Madibo in 51st minute of Group B match.
Canada Soccer confirmed surgery happened in Vancouver,where team celebrated a 6-0 win. “He is expected to make full recovery but will miss rest of FIFA World Cup 2026,” organization said.
Kone was in visible pain after tackle,getting immediate medical attention. Stretchered off field,he gave a thumbs-up to fans despite obvious discomfort. Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch recalled hearing the injury. “I could hear the bone snap,” he said .
At hospital,Marsch found Kone in good spirits,already on medication for pain. “He was being prepared for surgery,” Marsch told reporters. “But he was really upbeat and insisted he’d be fine.”
Surgery took about 90 minutes,with three surgeons. Marsch said medical team was ready after seeing incident on TV . “They knew immediately,” he said. “So they brought their top three surgeons to hospital right away.” He was confident Kone was in “really good hands.”
Madibo got a red card for the tackle,Qatar's second dismissal of match. He later apologized to Kone.
Canada faces Switzerland in Vancouver on Wednesday,both teams have four points after two games. This match could decide Group B winner. In solidarity, Nathan Saliba,who replaced Kone,celebrated his fourth goal by holding Kone’s jersey,pointing to his number eight…
