Canada Soccer Star Ismaël Koné Suffers Brutal Leg Injury at World Cup

Lionel Messi Details "Difficult, Complicated Days" Ahead of World Cup 2026

Tragedy has struck on the pitch of the 2026 World Cup.

During the June 18 match between Qatar and Canada—a host country of this year’s tournament alongside the United States and Mexico—Canadian Ismaël Koné suffered a gruesome leg injury that likely ended his run at this year’s tournament.

In the moments before the injury, Canada was charging down the field and Koné was passed the ball by teammate Jonathan David. As soon as Koné received the ball, Assim Madibo of Qatar attacked for possession, and in the process struck Koné’s leg, resulting in an audible crack.

As play was paused and the referee called for immediate medical attention, the camera cut to Koné, who appeared in utter shock as he held what appeared to be a visibly broken leg.

In the aftermath of the injury, an assistant coach for Canada could be heard shouting at a referee, “His leg is hanging off! His leg is hanging off! He’s got a f--king broken leg, man!”

Meanwhile, Canadian and Qatari soccer players had to be separated as arguing ensued.

As Koné was carted off the field on a stretcher, he waved to the crowd and hugged his teammates and coach.

Afterwards, his teammate Nathan Saliba held up Koné’s jersey to the crowd to uproarious cheers. The Canadian Men’s National Team shared a picture of the moment on Instagram, writing, “All of Canada is behind you, Ismaël.”

Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Though Madibo was initially given a yellow card for his foul, an additional review determined the violation was committed with intent and the penalty was elevated to a red card. As a result, Madibo was ejected from the game and will be suspended from Qatar’s June 24 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Earlier in the match, Homam Ahmed of Qatar had also received a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity from Canada’s Tajon Buchanan when he pulled Buchanan and tripped him.

Fran Santiago/Getty Images

As a result of the red cards, Qatar—who was losing 3-0 before Koné’s injury—played down two players and lost to Canada 6-0.

While Koné’s run at the 2026 World Cup is likely over, read on to learn more about other players to keep your eye on.

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