Canada's national team has suffered a major setback after star midfielder Ismaël Koné (24) sustained a serious injury that is expected to keep him out of action for approximately six months.
Koné suffered the injury following a heavy challenge from Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo during a World Cup match played in the early hours of today.
According to initial reports from the team's medical staff, the player has fractured both his tibia and fibula — the two key bones that connect the knee to the ankle. Due to the severity of the injury, Koné is expected to undergo surgery before beginning his rehabilitation process.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Canada continued to deliver an impressive performance on the field. Just 10 minutes after Koné was forced off through injury, substitute midfielder Nathan Saliba scored Canada's fourth goal of the match.
Saliba moved many fans with his celebration, lifting Koné's No. 8 jersey in a show of support for his injured teammate.
However, the disappointment surrounding Koné's injury did not prevent Canada from making history. Their emphatic 6-0 victory secured the country's first-ever win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
