Canada marked a watershed moment in their footballing history on home soil, defeating Qatar 6-0 at a roaring Vancouver Stadium to claim their first-ever World Cup victory — 40 years after appearing in their first tournament. Yet the triumph was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

Kone's heartbreaking exit

The incident unfolded eight minutes into the second half, with Canada already leading 3-0. Kone, the former Watford and Marseille midfielder now at Sassuolo, received the ball and was caught by a heavy late challenge from Qatar's Assim Madibo. The 24-year-old went down with a visibly broken leg, his expression one of anguish and shock.

Team-mates rushed to his side as referee halted play and medical staff entered the pitch. Madibo, hands clasped on his head, was subsequently shown a red card. The collision ignited a scuffle between the two sets of players, as emotions — already running high — boiled over.

Despite his distress, Kone offered a thumbs-up to the packed stadium as he was carried off on a stretcher — a gesture that moved both fans and colleagues deeply.

Marsch in tears, Canada push on

Manager Jesse Marsch was visibly emotional during the second-half hydration break. Substitute Nathan Saliba, who had replaced Kone, held up his injured team-mate's shirt after netting Canada's fourth goal — a tribute that encapsulated the collective spirit on display.