Group B, 2026 FIFA World Cup

Canada 6-0 Qatar: A Night of Triumph and Tragedy in Vancouver

June 24, 2025 — Canada recorded its first World Cup victory of the tournament in a dramatic match against Qatar, but the win was overshadowed by a severe leg injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné and two red cards for the Qatari side.

Match Summary

Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute. The match turned decisively in the 33rd minute when Qatar's Homam El Amin was sent off for a professional foul on Canadian forward Tajon Buchanan, reducing Qatar to ten men. Jonathan David scored in first-half stoppage time to give Canada a 2-0 lead at the break.

The second half was marred by a serious injury to Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné in the 51st minute. After the incident and a subsequent red card, Canada added three more goals:

• Nathan Saliba scored Canada's fourth goal in the 64th minute, holding up Koné's jersey in celebration.
• Jonathan David completed a hat-trick with a goal in stoppage time.

David became the first player from a host nation to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match since Geoff Hurst in 1966.

The match took place in Vancouver. Following this result, Canada's chances of advancing from the group increased. The team is scheduled to face Switzerland in its final group match.

Injury Incident

In the 51st minute, Ismaël Koné sustained a lower left leg injury following a tackle by Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo. Koné was attempting to change direction when he was tackled from behind. Several sources reported that Koné suffered fractures to the left tibia and fibula. Television replays showed Koné's leg in an unusual position.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch told reporters that he "could hear the bone snap" and knew the injury was serious.

Koné was stretchered off the field while wearing an oxygen mask and gave a thumbs-up gesture. He was taken to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery performed by three surgeons lasting approximately 90 minutes. Family members were present.

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch stated that the surgery "went really well." Koné's club, Sassuolo, confirmed the operation's success and stated that he would begin rehabilitation in the coming days. Koné is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the remainder of the World Cup.

According to World Cup regulations, Canada could not replace Koné with another outfield player. Nathan Saliba replaced Koné as a substitute during the match.

Disciplinary Action

The referee initially showed Assim Madibo a yellow card for the tackle. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the incident for a possible red card. The referee subsequently upgraded the yellow card to a red card, sending Madibo off and leaving Qatar with nine players on the field.

On June 27, 2025, FIFA's disciplinary committee announced a five-match suspension for Madibo. The ban covers Qatar's remaining World Cup matches. The decision is subject to appeal.

Statements from Officials and Players

Canada forward Jonathan David questioned the necessity of the tackle, describing it as unnecessary and intended to hurt.

• Jesse Marsch described Koné as "a great kid" and "a big part of our future." He added that Madibo apologized to Koné personally in the locker room after the match.
• Moïse Bombito said Koné "is an unbelievable human being."
• Stephen Eustáquio stated he saw Koné's leg and realized something was wrong.
• Cyle Larin said: "We did that for Koné."

Actions After the Match

Madibo visited Koné in the hospital, accompanied by Qatar's sports minister. Photographs showed Koné hugging Madibo while both wore their national team jerseys.

Koné later posted on social media expressing gratitude for the support he received.

Player and Team Background

Ismaël Koné (24) began his professional career at CF Montréal before transferring to Watford in 2022. He subsequently played for Marseille, Rennes, and Sassuolo. At the time of the match, he had 42 appearances and 4 goals for Canada.