Canada head coach Jesse Marsch admitted his team was devastated after learning that Ismael Kone had sustained a broken leg during their landmark 6-0 win, but insisted the squad would stay concentrated after climbing to the top of Group B.
Kone suffered the serious injury in the 55th minute following a tackle from Assim Madibo, and the reactions of those around him immediately indicated the situation was severe.
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After receiving treatment on the field for several minutes, he was carried off on a stretcher while requiring oxygen and pain relief medication.
Marsch, who was close enough to hear the break occur, acknowledged that the incident deeply affected the entire team.
Once again, it has been proven that football can take a life-changing turn at any moment. In yesterday’s FIFA World Cup match between Canada and Qatar, Canada’s key player, Ismaël Koné suffered a horrific injury, and his leg was broken into two pieces.💔🥹
– Just look at the…
— lndian Sports Netwrk (@IS_Netwrk29) June 19, 2026
Speaking about Kone to Flashscore and other media outlets, Marsch disclosed that Kone was “at the hospital and is preparing for surgery.”
“It happened right in front of the bench; we could all hear it. Your heart goes out to him, and everyone is a little shaken by the whole experience, because of the nature of the injury and because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team.
“It will be a big loss for us. He’s been an amazing player for us in the last two games, but he was waving to the crowd and making everyone else feel at ease with the fact that he’s injured, and it’s an incredible statement about Ismael as a person, but also this is our team.
“… Everybody was crushed when it happened, but we had to find a way to stay focused.
“We’re very proud of what we are and who we are – that was on show today.”
The injury brought back memories of what happened to Tajon Buchanan in 2024. Ahead of the Copa America that year, the Villarreal winger fractured his tibia during training, ruling him out for six months.
Marsch also shared that Madibo personally visited the dressing room to apologise for the challenge. Despite Qatar finishing the match with nine players, the Canadian boss did not believe the contest had been excessively physical.
“Until the injury, I thought that the match was pretty good. We had a very dominant performance in the first half, and I think, probably, their coach (Lopetegui) wanted to fire them up a bit at half-time, to give them a chance to not go down by four, because that means they have to beat Bosnia.
“We were aware of that, and we needed four so we don’t have to beat Switzerland. I think that led to the (challenge).
“Let me be clear, the player (Modibo) apologised to Ismael. He came into the dressing room and apologised to him, and Ismael told the team.
“I don’t think that he meant such a gruesome tackle or such a gruesome situation. I don’t fault him for that…”
Canada’s emphatic victory was one for the history books. It marked their first-ever win at a World Cup finals tournament, and Marsch celebrated passionately with both his players and the supporters after the final whistle.
“No Canadian will forget this day. There will be 40 million people who will say they were here.
“It’s an incredibly seminal moment for everyone to understand the talent in this country, that there is mentality, there is desire, there are a lot of things that make this country special…
“I’m very proud of what we have accomplished, a moment that people can remember, but this will drive us to do everything we can to win the group and make a run at this tournament.”
With three points secured, Canada rose to first place in Group B ahead of Switzerland on goal difference. The two nations will meet in their final group-stage fixture on June 24. Avoiding defeat would guarantee Canada top spot and earn them another match in Vancouver.
That now becomes the team’s next objective, although they will first take time to enjoy a family barbecue on Friday.
