An ugly scuffle broke out after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and two-time Asian champions Qatar at Vancouver’s BC Place, which the co-hosts won 6-0.
Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg after a tackle that left team-mates shaken and coach Jesse Marsch lamenting an injury that turned a night of celebration into one of anguish.
The 24-year-old was taken off on a stretcher after Qatar’s Assim Madibo caught him from behind in the 54th minute, with Marsch saying the sound of the impact was audible from the sidelines.
Kone was taken to hospital to prepare for surgery, dealing a significant blow to a Canada side that moved top of Group B with four points from two matches and firmly in contention to reach the knockout round of the expanded 48-team tournament.
As the final whistle was blown and after Canada’s post-game huddle, players from both teams were seen having a go at each each other.
Marsch got involved in a tense exchange with his Qatari counterpart Julen Lopetegui as both coaches were not happy with the on-field scuffles.
Marsch said Madibo visited Canada’s dressing room to apologise to Kone, a gesture the manager appreciated, though he reserved his anger for the reaction of the Qatar bench.
“I don’t understand a reaction from their entire bench to try to start a fight about it being a red card when a clear foul just happened that broke a player’s leg,” Marsch said. “So, strange behavior.”
Madibo, who had initially been given a yellow card for the tackle, was sent off after it was upgraded to red following a VAR review — the second Qatari dismissal after Homam Al Amin was given his marching orders in the first half.
Lopetegui defended his players. “It was a very tough match for many reasons. The players did their best. It was very difficult to face this match with two players less with this environment.”
Qatar , who ware last in the group, still have a chance to reach the knockout roundas they faces Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in Seattle while Canada take on Switzerland.