Canada's Ismaël Koné stretchered off the field after gruesome injury at FIFA World Cup
There was nothing but good vibes at BC Place after the first half of Canada’s FIFA World Cup match against Qatar.
Cyle Larin scored, then Jonathan David put two goals in the net. It was all Canada after 45 minutes.
Then, in the 51st minute, horror struck.
Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné collided with Qatari defensive midfielder Assim Madibo. A loud crack was heard on the broadcast. Seconds later, Koné looked in shock at his leg, which appeared to be broken.
The medical crew ran onto the field, attending to Koné for over seven minutes before he was finally stretchered off the pitch.
It was a moment that quieted a raucous BC Place until the crowd cheered while Koné was stretchered off.
A very emotional scene as Koné waves to the fans.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2ToT239H9I
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 18, 2026
Madibo was given a red card on the play. It was Qatar’s second red card of the match, meaning they were down to nine players with about 30 minutes to go in the contest.
Koné was replaced by Nathan Saliba as the match resumed.
And, in honour of Koné, Saliba scored a beautiful goal off a free kick minutes later, giving Canada a commanding 4-0 lead. He then held up Koné’s jersey to the crowd.
Nathan Saliba scores a free kick and honours Ismaël Koné following the injury.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/OebZlk2Cxm
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 18, 2026
Saliba’s marker helped solidify a historic day for Canadian soccer, as they’re set to win their first-ever match at a men’s FIFA World Cup.