Canada’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar in a Group B match in Vancouver was marred by a serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné. The incident occurred in the 52nd minute when Qatar’s Assim Madibo tackled Koné from behind, breaking the Canadian player’s leg. The match was halted as medical staff rushed onto the field, and Koné was stretchered off while waving to the crowd. Madibo received a straight red card for the challenge, leaving Qatar with nine players after Homam Ahmed had been sent off earlier.

Following the match, Canada coach Jesse Marsch said the incident happened right in front of their bench and that everyone heard the sound of the break, describing it as a major blow to the team. Forward Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick, criticized the tackle as unnecessary, while midfielder Stephen Eustáquio said it was clearly a red-card offense. Despite the historic win, Koné’s injury has become a major concern for Canada as it threatens his World Cup campaign.