Soccer-Qatar's sports minister, Madibo visit Canada's injured Kone


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group B - Canada v Qatar - BC Place, Vancouver, Canada - June 18, 2026. Canada's Ismael Kone waves to the crowd as he uses a "green whistle" (Penthrox), a portable, self-administered inhaler used by paramedics for fast-acting pain relief, after sustaining an injury and being stretchered off. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

June 23 (Reuters) - Qatar's ⁠sports minister and national team player ⁠Assim Madibo visited Canada midfielder Ismael ‌Kone to check on his health after he was injured during their World Cup game, the Qatar Football ​Association said on Wednesday.

Qatarsuffered a ⁠heavy 6-0 defeat ⁠by Canadain their Group B clash, during which ⁠Kone ‌sustained a broken leg following a clumsy second-half tackle from Madibo. ⁠Kone has since undergone surgery.

"They were received ​by ‌the President of the Canadian Soccer Association," ⁠the Gulf ​country's soccer governing body said on Facebook.

"This visit reflects the spirit of sportsmanship and the ⁠strong relationships on and off ​the field. We wish the player a speedy recovery and a quick return to the ⁠pitch," it added.

The Qatar Football Association posted photos of the visit, with one showing the two players hugging each other. Kone ​was sitting in a ⁠wheelchair.

Qatar are set to play against Bosnia and ​Herzegovina in their final ‌group match, while tournament co-hosts ​Canada take on Switzerland.

(Reporting by Taha Abdel-aziz in CairoEditing by Christian Radnedge)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read