Canada star Ismael Kone has sent an emotional message to his teammates after suffering a serious leg injury at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
An otherwise brilliant 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver was marred somewhat for Canada last week when Kone was seriously injured.
The 24-year-old suffered fractures to his tibia and fibula bones in his lower left leg after he was badly caught by Qatar player Assim Madibo, who was subsequently handed a five-match ban by FIFA’s disciplinary panel.
Kone, who now plays for Italian club Sassuolo, underwent surgery in Vancouver and was visited by Madibo – who looked visibly shaken by the incident.
Speaking to his teammates at Canada’s training base, Kone vowed to come back stronger.
Kone shocked by first serious injury in soccer
As captured by Canada Soccer’s YouTube channel, Kone said: “Tough times, I would say.
“Tough times. I never thought I would be in this position, ever. My first surgery, my first big injury. In moments like this, when I looked up, it was a bit shocking, it was a lot of disappointment, knowing that I’m not going to step foot on the pitch anymore.
“But when I saw you guys, I was like ‘Okay, I’m fine’. I’ve got people who have got me for real and whatever I’m going through, I’ll get support.”
It remains to be seen just how long he faces out of action but it is clearly a significant injury, ending his participation at this year’s World Cup at the very least.
Kone made an appearance during Canada’s loss to Switzerland in Vancouver following his surgery, waving to the crowd from a wheelchair and being seen with crutches.
Canada finished second in Group B and will play South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday in the round of 32.
The midfielder was born in the Ivory Coast and moved to Canada as a youngster, growing up in Montreal.
His breakout in soccer began with CF Montreal before a move to English Championship side Watford in 2024. From there, he joined French giants Marseille in 2024 and spent some time on loan at Rennes before moving to Sassuolo last summer.
Kone made his debut for Canada in 2022 and played for his country during that year’s World Cup. A two-time winner of the Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year award, Kone has 42 caps for his country and has scored four goals during those appearances.
Read more:
