Canada's Koné to undergo surgery after gruesome injury against Qatar

Canada's historic first World Cup victory was overshadowed by a gruesome injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné. The 24-year-old's left leg was torn when Qatar's Assim Madibo tackled him from behind in the second half, prompting a stretcher and immediate medical attention. Koné grimaced and was surrounded by teammates as he was taken to a local hospital, where plans for surgery were reported. Madibo received a red card for the challenge, leaving Qatar with nine men after Homam Ahmed had been sent off earlier in the first half. The incident occurred just in front of Canada's bench, and coach Jesse Marsch said you could hear the bones snap. With Koné off the field, the Canadian team pressed on and secured a 6-0 victory. He was later described as undergoing surgery, with his family nearby as Marsch updated that the procedure was being prepared. Nathan Saliba, Koné's replacement, scored Canada's fourth goal and held up Koné's jersey in a moving tribute. Striker Jonathan David added a hat trick, and captain Stephen Eustáquio acknowledged the painful moment while praising the team’s focus. Canada’s win was celebrated despite the injury, which Marsch said they would miss Koné for going forward.