Canada celebrated a historic first World Cup win but the joy was tempered by a horrific injury to Ismaël Koné as they crushed Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver. Koné, 24, was badly hurt eight minutes into the second half when Assim Madibo’s late challenge left the Sassuolo midfielder with a visibly broken leg; play was stopped and Koné was stretchered off, later taken to hospital and expected to undergo surgery. Madibo was shown a red card and apologized to Koné in the dressing room, according to Canada coach Jesse Marsch.
Despite the shock, Canada rallied for an emphatic victory in front of a raucous home crowd. Nathan Saliba Koné’s replacement celebrated by holding up his team-mate’s shirt after scoring the fourth goal, while teammates and fans united behind Koné during an emotional hydration break. Marsch praised the squad’s character and said the group will support Koné through recovery: “He will be back stronger than ever,” he said.
The result leaves Canada on the brink of the last 32: a win in their final group game against Switzerland would secure top spot and keep them playing at home for the knockout round. The team now balances celebration with concern for Koné, as players, staff and supporters rally around their injured teammate.
