Canada player who suffered horror injury after everyone heard 'bone snap' speaks out

Ismaël Koné has promised he will be 'back very soon' in his first statement after suffering a horrific broken leg.

Canada were cruising to an impressive victory against Qatar in their second World Cup fixture on Tuesday when tragedy struck.

What appeared to be an innocuous challenge from Assim Madibo went horribly wrong as Koné suffered a vile leg break in the collision.

"It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap," Canada boss Jesse Marsch graphically revealed after the match.

Madibo was visibly distraught with the result of his tackle as he was shown a red card, reducing Qatar to nine men as they went on to lose 6-0.

Koné required treatment on the pitch and was given Penthrox painkiller as he was stretchered off the field, though he was able to wave to supporters.

The 24-year-old midfielder was reportedly awaiting surgery in a Vancouver hospital on Thursday night and has now released his first statement since the grizzly injury.

Ismaël Koné thankful for love and support

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Koné shared a long and emotional message.

"Allah has never failed me.Throughout my life, not even once," the Sassuolo star wrote.

"So why doubt him now? Especially knowing that. He knows and sees everything before it even happened.

"He has a plan and a vision for all of us. This battle is test to my faith in him and to my character.

"And honestly I’m ready for it because, Allah will never give you a challenge that you can’t overcome and being tested is the best of gift from god.

"Your love and support has been felt, honestly thank you so much.

"You can’t even imagine, how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers.

"I thank god for that because not everyone is this fortunate."

In the aftermath of Koné's injury, players surrounded him as he received treatment to block out the world's camera.

His replacement, Nathan Saliba, went on to score the first free-kick of the tournament and dedicated it to his stricken teammate.

Saliba made a heart gesture in his muted celebration and then picked up Koné's No.8 shirt in the dugout and raised it aloft for all to see.

Koné revealed that the gestures meant a lot to him.

"To Canadian brothers, as I turned myself into assistant coach to support you from the sideline," he joked.

"I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me.

"What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever. I’ll be back very soon and we’ll keep making more memories together."

The football world has rushed to send love in the replies, with his current club Sassuolo and former clubs Marseille and Watford all sending messages, along with his teammates.

Koné will miss the rest of the tournament and is expected to be out of action for months.

2026 World Cup results so far

Friday, 19 June

Group A: Mexico vs South Korea, 1-0

Thursday 18 June

Group L: Ghana vs Panama, 1-0

Group K: Uzbekistan vs Colombia, 1-3

Group A: Czech Republic vs South Africa, 1-1

Group B: Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, 4-1

Group B: Canada vs Qatar, 6-0

Wednesday, 17 June

Group K: Portugal vs DR Congo, 1-1

Group L: England vs Croatia, 4-2

Group J: Argentina vs Algeria, 3-0

Group J: Austria vs Jordan, 3-1

Tuesday 16 June

Group G: Iran vs New Zealand, 2-2

Group I: France vs Senegal, 3-1

Group I: Iraq vs Norway, 1-4

Monday, 15 June

Group E: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, 1-0

Group F: Sweden vs Tunisia, 5-1

Sunday, June 14

Group C: Haiti vs Scotland, 0-1

Group D: Australia vs Turkey, 2-0

Group E: Germany vs Curacao, 7-1

Group F: Netherlands vs Japan, 2-2

Saturday, June 13

Group D: USA vs Paraguay, 4-1

Group B: Qatar vs Switzerland, 1-1

Group C: Brazil vs Morocco, 1-1

Friday, 12 June

Group A: South Korea vs Czech Republic, 2-1

Group B: Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, 1-1

Thursday, 11 June

Group A: Mexico vs South Africa, 2-0