Milan, 19 June (LaPresse) – Canada’s historic first World Cup victory was overshadowed by the horrific injury sustained by midfielder Ismaël Koné. The Sassuolo player injured his left leg following a challenge with Qatar’s Assim Madibo, who was sent off. Koné was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital for surgery. Canada’s manager, Jesse Marsch, confirmed that Koné was surrounded by his family. “I saw his leg. I could see something was wrong,” said Canada’s captain, Stephen Eustaquio, who was among the first players to rush to Koné’s aid. The injury occurred in the second half, leaving Qatar down to nine men. Nathan Saliba, who came on as a substitute for Koné, then scored Canada’s fourth goal in their 6-0 victory. Striker Jonathan David questioned the necessity of the challenge, highlighting its recklessness. The details of Koné’s injury have not been disclosed. “We were all shocked when it happened, but we had to find a way to stay focused; we knew Ismaël wanted us to see the job through,” said Canada’s manager Jesse Marsch.
2026 World Cup: Canada – serious injury to Sassuolo’s Koné
Milan, 19 June (LaPresse) – Canada’s historic first World Cup victory was overshadowed by the horrific injury sustained by midfielder Ismaël Koné. The Sassuolo player injured his left leg following a challenge with Qatar’s Assim Madibo, who was sent off. Koné was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital for surgery. Canada’s manager, Jesse Marsch, confirmed that Koné was surrounded by his family. “I saw his leg. I could see something was wrong,” said Canada’s captain, Stephen Eustaquio, who was among the first players to rush to Koné’s aid. The injury occurred in the second half, leaving Qatar down to nine men. Nathan Saliba, who came on as a substitute for Koné, then scored Canada’s fourth goal in their 6-0 victory. Striker Jonathan David questioned the necessity of the challenge, highlighting its recklessness. The details of Koné’s injury have not been disclosed. “We were all shocked when it happened, but we had to find a way to stay focused; we knew Ismaël wanted us to see the job through,” said Canada’s manager Jesse Marsch.
