Canada midfielder Ismael Kone was stretchered off the pitch during their FIFA World Cup Group B clash with Qatar on Thursday, suffering what appeared to be a serious leg injury — an incident that also resulted in Qatar finishing the match with just nine men.

Kone, 24, went down shortly after the interval with Canada already leading by three goals. Teammates formed a protective ring around him as medical staff rushed onto the field, and play was halted for approximately five minutes while he was treated and stabilised.

A harrowing moment in Vancouver

Canada forward Jonathan David was visibly emotional as the squad gathered before play resumed. Once Kone was stable, he was wheeled from BC Place in Vancouver on a stretcher, breathing with the aid of oxygen provided by emergency responders. He acknowledged the home supporters with a wave as he left the field.

Qatar had already been reduced to 10 men in the first half after Homam Elamim was sent off for a last-man challenge. The situation worsened when Assim Madibo — visibly distressed in the wake of the incident — received a straight red card following a VAR review. His challenge on Kone had initially been punished with only a yellow card, but the on-field decision was overturned after video review deemed the foul worthy of an expulsion.

Canada's historic win overshadowed

The result marked what was shaping up to be Canada's first-ever World Cup Finals victory, yet the jubilant mood at BC Place was tempered considerably by the gravity of Kone's injury. What had promised to be a night of celebration became one of deep concern for the Sassuolo midfielder.

Kone, formerly of Watford and Rennes, is now expected to miss the remainder of Canada's World Cup campaign. The match was overseen by Julen Lopetegui, who is managing Qatar at this tournament.