Koné given hero's welcome by Canada team after leaving hospital

FootballSports
21 Jun 2026 • 1:21 AM MYT
DPA International
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Image from: Koné given hero's welcome by Canada team after leaving hospital
Canada's Ismael Kone leaves the field on a stretcher during the second half of a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar, in Vancouver. Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press via ZUMA Press/dpa

Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné has been given a hero's welcome by the World Cup squad after being released from hospital following surgery on his broken leg.

The 24-year-old rolled up in a car and as he opened the door, the waiting players serenaded him with chants of "Ismaël" and cheering, an X video from the team showed on Saturday.

Koné is out of the World Cup after suffering the injury during the co-hosts' 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday.

Canada next play Switzerland on Wednesday in their Group B decider as they look to reach the knock-outs at a men's World Cup for the first time in their third appearance.