The seriousness of the injury was immediately apparent as team-mates frantically called for help from the Canadian medical staff on the sidelines.
Kone was eventually stretchered off the pitch, waving to the crowd as he inhaled from an oxygen pipe.
Jacob Shaffelburg of Canada celebrates the team’s fifth goal against Qatar during the Fifa World Cup 2026 Group B match at BC Place Vancouver. Photo / AFP
Madibo, who had initially been given a yellow card for the tackle, was sent off after it was upgraded to red following a VAR review – the second Qatari dismissal after Homam el-Amin was given his marching orders in the first half.
With Qatar down to nine men, Canada took full advantage to score three more goals.
Saliba – who had replaced the injured Kone – curled in a free-kick to make it 4-0 in the 64th minute.
The substitute celebrated his goal by racing to the sideline to hold up a replica of the stricken Kone’s Canadian jersey.
Another substitute, Jacob Shaffelburg, then helped make it 5-0, his fierce shot turned into the Qatar goal by defender Mohammad Manai.
David, who had scored twice in the first half after Cyle Larin’s 16th-minute opener, then completed his hat-trick in the second minute of stoppage time to complete the rout.
Go all in to unlock every Fifa World Cup 2026 match with a TVNZ+ Event Pass.