Canada’s Ismaël Koné to miss rest of 2026 World Cup after leg surgery
Canada international Ismaël Koné will miss the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after successfully undergoing surgery to repair a broken leg sustained during Canada’s Group B match against Qatar on Thursday.
The 24-year-old was forced off the field in the 56th minute after suffering a freak injury when his leg appeared to bend awkwardly following a clumsy tackle by Assim Madibo, who was immediately shown a red card by the referee.
Canada went on to win the match 6-0, with Jonathan David scoring a hat-trick.
A statement from the Canada national team on Friday said that Koné underwent surgery to repair a lower-limb injury and will not return for the remainder of the World Cup.
“Last night, Ismaël Koné underwent successful surgery to repair a lower limb fracture. He is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the remainder of the FIFA World Cup 2026. You will come back stronger, Isma!” the national team said.
Reacting on Instagram after the procedure, the Sassuolo player thanked fans for their support and said he would be back stronger.
He said, “Your love and support has been felt, honestly thank you so much. You can’t even imagine how grateful l am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers
“I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart, and our brotherhood is everything to me. What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever. I’ll be back very soon, and we’ll keep making more memories together.”
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
