Ismaël Koné suffered a serious leg injury during Canada’s 6-0 World Cup win
The US men’s national soccer team begins its World Cup run with a big win
Dan Dakich analyzes the US men’s soccer team’s dramatic 4-1 win over Paraguay. He emphasizes the speed and confidence of the team, citing the experience of many players at the highest levels. This strong start positions Team USA well for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Qatar’s 6-0 thrashing of Canada in the second game of the FIFA World Cup could have been a good one on Thursday afternoon had it not been for Ismaël Koné’s injury that could only be described as a scare.
Koné was sent off the field after a brutal tackle on Qatar’s Asim Madibo in the second half, prompting the Canadian players and coaches to quickly become enraged. The fight was coming from behind, and it was clear that Koné had been treated badly.
As players gathered around Koné, replays showed Madibo’s poor finish, the Canadian’s left leg bent at an angle and not due to fainting.
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Canada’s Ismael Kone raises his hand to the crowd as he is fouled by Qatar’s Assim Madibo during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 18, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
Koné was very scared when he was injured, holding his leg at first and then putting his hands on his head.
After a VAR review, the referees escalated Madibo’s foul to a red card, Qatar’s second of the game after Homan Ahmed received one in the 33rd minute.
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Madibo, however, had his hands on his head, clearly distraught after witnessing what happened to Koné as players, coaches and medical staff surrounded the 24-year-old on the pitch.
A standing ovation erupted from the home fans at BC Place in Vancouver as Koné was carted off the field. Looking at the appearance of the injury, there is a good chance that his appearance at the World Cup in Canada will end prematurely.
Canada’s Ismael Kone raises his hand to the crowd as he is fouled by Qatar’s Assim Madibo during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 18, 2026. (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Nathan Saliba came on for Koné in the 57th minute, and scored seven minutes later. In celebration, he held up Koné’s jersey for the fans to boo, as the score went 4-0. Mohammed Manai scored an own goal in the 75th minute to add insult to injury for Qatar, but Canada’s takeover started with a first-half advantage.
Jonathan David had a hat trick in the game, scoring in the 29th minute of stoppage time. He then scored in stoppage time again, this time in the 92nd minute to cap a fine afternoon without Koné’s injury.
Cyle Larin started the team for Canada with a goal in the 16th minute.
After tying their first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, this 6-0 victory was the country’s first World Cup victory, which also put them top of Group B.
Canada’s Ismael Kone is concerned after being fouled by Qatar’s Assim Madibo during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 18, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday gave them four points, with both teams deciding the winner on June 24.
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