Former Watford FC midfielder Ismael Kone brutally suffered a leg break playing for Canada at the World Cup.
Everything was going swimmingly for Les Rouges in the second match of the group stages, as they were heading for consecutive wins in their opening two matches, 3-0 up against Qatar and eight minutes into the second half.
However, the tide would drastically turn a moment later, as the former Hornets player – who made 58 appearances for the club – was caught late by the Qatari Assim Madibo as he challenged him for possession.
Canada manager Jesse Marsch said: “It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap.” He added that players and staff were shaken by the nature of the injury.
The 24-year-old’s reaction was one of shock and horror, as Madibo was immediately visibly upset after realising the extent of the injury. The opposition midfielder got a red card for the foul and subsequently missed his side’s next match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Canadian international was seen with his thumbs up when leaving the pitch on a stretcher, showing positive spirits despite the severity of the injury and the end of his 2026 World Cup campaign. The leg break occurred just two days after his 24th birthday, and this World Cup is the second he has travelled to since his international debut in 2022.
Kone currently plays for Sassuolo in Italy’s top division, the Serie A, after he spent 18 months at Watford between 2022 and 2024. Marseille bought him in June 2024 for a £15million fee plus add-ons.
Feature image: Tasnim News Agency
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