World Cup 2026: Canada’s moment of injury, a day of tears, controversy and history

It should have been a time of pure joy.

In 40 years since their first World Cup appearance, Canada scored their first victory at the tournament in emphatic fashion, beating Qatar 6-0 in front of a packed and raucous Vancouver Stadium.

A place in the last 32 is almost certain. But the celebrations were overshadowed by Ismael Kone’s tragic injury.

The incident happened eight minutes into the second half with Canada leading 3-0. Former Watford midfielder Kone was badly tackled by Assam Madibo shortly after receiving the ball and challenging the ball late on.

Kone’s reaction and the players around him said it all.

The 24-year-old Sassuolo midfielder looked distraught and concussed with a broken leg. When the referee called off the game for medics to arrive, Madibo put his hand on his head as his distressed teammates rushed to him.

Frustration and anger erupted between the two groups.

Despite suffering a World Cup-ending injury, Kone gave the crowd a standing ovation as he gave the thumbs up on a stretcher.

“You saw him waving to the crowd and almost calming everyone down,” boss Jesse Marsh said after the game.

“It’s a statement about Ishmael, but it’s also an incredible team. I’ve been telling people about the character of this team for years.

“You saw how crushed everyone was, but we had to find a way to keep our focus.”

They were focused – from then on the crowd and players united as Canada pushed for three more goals.

Marsh was in tears during a second half wet break. Cone’s replacement, Nathan Saliba, was handed his team’s jersey after his fourth win.

“He’s going to come back stronger than ever and keep up the good work,” Kobe’s Marsh said.

“I said at the water break that he wanted us to finish this game – and that’s what the guys did.”