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Qatari player Assim Madibo received a five-match ban from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his tackle on Ismaël Koné broke the Canadian’s leg during the match.
Madibo received a red card for the terrible tackle during the match, but the FIFA disciplinary committee determined he deserved a serious suspension for foul play.
While the decision is subject to appeal, Qatar’s 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday afternoon ended its run in the World Cup group stage. Madibo, sanctioned with a red card, was already out of the game.
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Qatar’s Assim Madibo walks off the field with his teammates after receiving a red card during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match against Canada at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 18, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
Still, Madibo’s five-game suspension would extend beyond the tournament and extend into subsequent international matches.
However, it was something Madibo had no intention of doing, as he was clearly nervous after recognizing the severity of Koné’s injury. As Koné lay in shock on his leg, Madibo had his hands on his head, as the Canadian players ran towards him angrily.
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After the game, Madibo went to Canada’s locker room to apologize to Koné, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch told The Athletic.
“He was very affected by his injury, it was never intentional,” Qatari coach Julen Lopetegui said after the game. “You all know Madibo, and it was a very clear accident, just to comment on this and wish him all the best.”
Assim Madibo of Qatar reacts after Ismael Kone of Canada is injured during the World Cup match between Canada and Qatar at Vancouver Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, on June 18, 2026. (Dale MacMillan/Socrates/Getty Images)
Madibo and Koné, who was in a wheelchair, were photographed hugging, proving there was no hard feelings despite the horrific injury.
It was a big loss for Qatar as Canada made the most of their one-man advantage after the red card. It was a 6-0 finish for the host country and while it was an exciting victory, there was a downside given Koné’s importance to the team.
Koné underwent successful surgery for his fractured tibia and fibula in his left leg.
Ismael Kone of Canada waves to the crowd while stretched after receiving a foul from Assim Madibo of Qatar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 18, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Canada has since fallen to Switzerland, losing 2-1 in a thriller in Vancouver, which gave the latter the victory in Group B. Canada still reaches the round of 32 by finishing in second place.
Now, Canada will travel to Los Angeles to face the runner-up in Group A, which will be determined on Sunday. Group A is made up of Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and Czechia.
