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Qatari player Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his tackle on Ismaël Koné broke the Canadian’s leg during their match.
Madibo received a red card for the terrible tackle during the match, but the FIFA disciplinary committee determined that he deserved a serious suspension for the foul play.
Although the decision is subject to appeal, Qatar’s 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday afternoon ended its run in the World Cup group stage. Madibo, hit with a red card, was already absent from the match.
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Assim Madibo of Qatar leaves 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, June 18, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
Nonetheless, Madibo’s five-match suspension would extend beyond the tournament and subsequently apply to international play.
This was something Madibo had no intention of doing, as he was clearly troubled after recognizing the seriousness of Koné’s injury. While Koné was in shock on his leg, Madibo had his hands on his head, while the Canadian players ran towards him in anger.
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After the match, 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, never intentional,” Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui said after the match. “You all know Madibo, and it was a very clear accident, only to notice it and wish him all the best.”
Assim Madibo of Qatar reacts after the injury of Ismael Kone of Canada during the World Cup match between Canada and Qatar at Vancouver Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Dale MacMillan/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Madibo and Koné, who was in a wheelchair, were pictured kissing, showing there was no ill will despite the horrific injury.
It was a resounding defeat for Qatar, as Canada took full advantage of its one-man lead after the red card. The hosts finished 6-0 and while it was an exciting victory, there was a problem given Koné’s importance to the team.
Koné successfully underwent surgery on the broken tibia and fibula in his left leg.
Ismael Kone of Canada waves to the crowd as he is stretchered after being fouled by Assim Madibo of Qatar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, 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 handed the latter the Group B victory. Canada still advances to the round of 16 to finish in second place.
Canada will now travel to Los Angeles to face the finalist of Group A, which will be determined on Sunday. Group A consists of Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and Czechia.
