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Qatar player Assim Madibo was banned for five matches from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his tackle on Ismaël Koné broke the Canadian’s leg during their match.
Madibo was shown a red card for the horrific tackle during the match, but FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that he deserved a serious ban for the foul play.
While the decision can be appealed, Qatar’s 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday afternoon ended their World Cup run in the group stage. Madibo, hit with a red card, was already out of the game.
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Assim Madibo of Qatar walks off the field with his teammates after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 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 roll over beyond the tournament and into later international play.
However, that was something Madibo had no intention of doing as he was clearly confused after realizing the severity of Koné’s injury. As Koné lay in shock over his leg, Madibo had his hands on his head as Canadian players ran up to him in anger.
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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, he was never on purpose,” Qatar manager Julen Lopetegui said after the match. “You all know Madibo and it was a very clear accident only to note 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/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Madibo and Koné, who was in a wheelchair, were pictured embracing, showing no ill will despite the horrific injury.
It was quite a blowout loss for Qatar as Canada took full advantage of being a man down after the red card. It was 6-0 to the hosts, and while it was a thrilling win, there was a wrinkle considering Koné’s importance to the team.
Koné underwent successful surgery on his broken tibia and fibula in his left leg.
Ismael Kone of Canada waves to the crowd as he is stretchered off after being fouled by Assim Madibo of Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2026 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 that gave the latter the Group B win. Canada still makes the Round of 16 to finish second.
Now Canada travels to Los Angeles to face the runner-up in Group A, which will be decided on Sunday. Group A consists of Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and the Czech Republic.
