FIFA World Cup 2026: Canada's Ismael Kone stretchered off after injury during Qatar match
Vancouver, June 19
Canada midfielder Ismaël Kone was forced off on a stretcher in the second half of his side's match against Qatar on Thursday at BC Place in Vancouver after suffering a worrying injury.
The 24-year-old appeared to be seriously hurt following a heavy challenge from Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo. The tackle, made from behind, immediately drew concern on the pitch, with players quickly signalling for medical assistance before surrounding Kone as he received treatment, according to ESPN.
After a VAR review of the incident, Madibo was shown a straight red card for dangerous play and was sent off. Qatar were reduced further to nine men after Homam Al Amin had earlier been dismissed in the first half.
Kone received applause from the BC Place crowd as he was carefully taken off the field for further assessment.
Despite the setback, Canada maintained control of the match. Midfielder Nathan Saliba, who came on as Kone's replacement in the 57th minute, later added to the moment by lifting Kone's shirt in celebration after scoring Canada's fourth goal.
The incident slightly overshadowed an otherwise dominant performance from the hosts, who were on track for a significant victory and a strong step forward in their World Cup campaign.
Canada delivered a historic performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match, thrashing Qatar 6-0 to secure their first-ever World Cup victory. Jonathan David starred with a record-breaking hat-trick--the first by a Canadian in World Cup history--while Cyle Larin opened the scoring early.
Canada's dominance continued with goals from Nathan Saliba and an own goal by Qatar, as the visitors were also reduced to 10 men in a one-sided contest.
— ANI
Reader Comments
That tackle was reckless, no surprise Madibo got a red card. Glad VAR worked properly here. But I'm more amazed by Canada's depth - Nathan Saliba came in and scored, lifting Kone's shirt. That's brotherhood. Reminds me of how Indian football players support each other.
First World Cup win in history and it's a 6-0 thrashing. Unbelievable scenes at BC Place! 🇨🇦 Being an Indian football fan, I watch Canada as an underdog story and this feels like when we beat Pakistan in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup. Hope Kone's injury isn't serious.
As someone who watches football from India, I think Canada's growth is inspiring. But we must also ask: was the referee too harsh on Qatar? Two red cards in a World Cup match feels excessive. The Kone injury was unfortunate, but we need more consistency in officiating. Still, credit to Canada for capitalizing.
Ecstatic for Canada! Jonathan David with a hat-trick - that's world class. The way the team rallied around Kone after the injury shows their unity. In India, we're used to big celebrations even for small wins, so a 6-0 World Cup win must be a carnival in Vancouver! 🎉
That tribute from Saliba lifting Kone's shirt after scoring - emotional stuff. It's these human moments that make football special. I worry about Qatar though, they look seriously out of depth in this World Cup. Their discipline is poor with two red cards. Hope India learns from this as we aim to qualify in future.