Canada celebrated a landmark World Cup victory, but the night was overshadowed by a devastating injury to Ismael Kone.
Canada recorded their first-ever World Cup win with a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver, moving to the brink of qualification for the knockout stage.
The hosts were already leading 3-0 when midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a serious leg injury early in the second half after a late challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo. Medical staff rushed onto the pitch as distressed players from both teams reacted to the incident.
Despite the setback, Canada remained focused and added three more goals to complete an emphatic victory. Substitute Nathan Saliba dedicated one of the goals to Kone by holding up his teammate’s shirt during the celebrations.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch later confirmed that Kone had undergone surgery for a broken leg and will miss the remainder of the tournament. Marsch also revealed that Madibo apologised to the injured midfielder after the match.
Qatar finished the game with nine men after Madibo was sent off for the challenge on Kone, while Homam El Amin had earlier received a red card for a professional foul.
The result puts Canada within touching distance of a place in the World Cup round of 32. After earning their first-ever World Cup point in a draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina, the hosts are now on the verge of making more history.
Canada will face Switzerland next, knowing a win would secure top spot in the group and keep their remarkable World Cup journey on home soil.
