Canada's Conne out for rest of World Cup after broken leg from brutal tackle

Ismael Conne, a starting midfielder for Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will miss the remainder of the tournament after fracturing his left leg.

AFP reported Saturday that Conne, who was carried off the field on a stretcher during Friday's match against Qatar, had successfully undergone surgery for the fracture but would not play again in this World Cup.

Conne was injured in the 56th minute of Canada's Group B second-round match against Qatar at BC Place in Vancouver on Friday, when Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo caught him with a violent tackle from behind while Canada led 3-0. Conne was stretchered off the pitch, and Madibo was immediately shown a red card.

The severity of the injury was apparent to everyone at the scene. Canada coach Jesse Marsch, watching from the bench, said afterward that the moment was so bad "you could hear the bone snap."

Canada routed Qatar 6-0 to move to four points — one win and one draw — and now need only a draw against Switzerland in their final group match to advance to the knockout round as group winners for the first time in history.

However, the loss of Conne, the engine of Canada's midfield, will inevitably complicate the team's planning beyond the round of 16.