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Qatar player Assim Madibo was given a five-match ban from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his tackle on Ismaël Koné broke the Canadian’s leg during their match.
Madibo was given a red card for the terrible tackle during the match, but FIFA’s disciplinary committee determined that he deserved a serious suspension for the foul play.
While the decision is subject to appeal, Qatar’s 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday afternoon ended their World Cup run in the group stages. Madibo, hit with a red card, was already sidelined for 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.
It was something Madibo wasn’t intending to do, though, as he was clearly flustered after recognizing how serious Koné’s injury was. As Koné lay in shock at his leg, Madibo had his hands on his head, while Canadian players were running up to him in anger.
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After the game, Madibo went to the Canada locker room to apologize to Koné, Canada’s head coach Jesse Marsch told The Athletic.
“He was very affected for his injury, never he was intentional,” Qatar managed Julen Lopetegui said after the match. “All of you know Madibo, and was a very clear accident, only to remark this, and to 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 there was no ill will despite the horrific injury.
It was quite the blowout loss for Qatar, as Canada took full advantage of being up one man following the red card. It was a 6-0 finish for the host country, and while it was an exciting victory, there was a wrinkle given 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 stretched 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, which gave the latter the Group B victory. Canada still makes the round of 32 for finishing in second place.
Now, Canada will travel to Los Angeles to face the runner-up of Group A, which will be determined on Sunday. Group A consists of Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and Czechia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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