Canada's Ismaël Koné is set to fully recover from a broken leg sustained in the 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar.
"Last night, Ismaël Koné underwent successful surgery to repair a lower limb fracture. He is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the remainder of FIFA World Cup 2026. You will come back stronger, Isma!" a statement from the Canada team said on Friday.
Coach Jesse Marsch said "everyone could hear the bone snap" following Thursday's incident in Vancouver, which led to Assim Madibo's red card for a reckless tackle.
Koné, who waved to fans from the stretcher despite the pain, wrote on Instagram: "Your love and support has been felt, honestly thank you so much. You can't even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers.
"To Canadian brothers, as I turned myself into assistant coach to support you from the sideline - I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me. What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever."
Tajon Buchanan also fractured his leg during Copa America training in 2024 and Canada team mate Moïse Bombito suffered the same injury in October.
Striker Cyle Larin told One Soccer: "It is hard in the moment because it has happened to a couple of players and when it happened it is hard to just digest. We'll be there for Koné.
Asked if they would now try to wrap up first spot in Group B on his behalf after Canada's first ever men's World Cup win, first goalscorer Larin added: "We are going go all the way and we are going to try to do it."
Bombito visited Koné in hospital to show him a quick recovery was possible - even if Koné's World Cup is over.
Bombito hopes to make his first start since his injury against Switzerland on Wednesday, when a victory will make the hosts group winners.
