Canada Midfielder Ismael Kone Undergoes Successful Surgery After Leg Injury

Toronto. Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone, who suffered a serious injury to his left leg during Thursday's match against Qatar, has undergone successful surgery. Canada Soccer issued a statement on Friday stating that Kone's leg surgery was successful and he is expected to make a full recovery. However, due to this serious injury, he will miss the remaining matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Kone's surgery was performed in Vancouver, where Canada defeated Qatar by a wide margin of 6-0.

During the 51st minute of the Group 'B' match, Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo, while attempting a tackle, struck his right leg on Kone's leg, causing Kone to collapse on the field. As Kone appeared to be in significant pain, the coach and medical staff immediately entered the field, and he was soon taken off on a stretcher.

Coach Jesse Marsch, providing an update on the hospital environment at a press conference on Friday, stated that Kone had already been given pain medication by the time they arrived and was preparing for surgery. He said, 'Kone was in very high spirits and seemed determined to recover quickly.'

Three senior surgeons were involved in the surgery, which lasted for about an hour and a half. Senior doctors, who had already understood the severity of the injury by watching the video of the match, reached the hospital immediately and were ready. Marsch informed that the decision to operate was taken after consulting with Canada's medical team, and according to the doctors, the surgery was very successful.

Due to the dangerous tackle, Qatari player Madibo was shown a red card after a Video Assistant Referee review. This was Qatar's second red card of the match, which reduced the Qatari team to 9 players.

Madibo later apologized to Kone. Nathan Saliba, who came onto the field as a substitute for the injured Kone, celebrated Canada's fourth goal by holding up Kone's jersey with the number 8 and showing it to the crowd. Canada will now face Switzerland in Vancouver next Wednesday, with both teams having an equal 4 points from two matches. This third match will decide the winner of Group 'B'.