FIFA bans Qatar's Madibo five matches for tackle that shattered Koné's leg at World Cup

FIFA’s disciplinary committee has suspended Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo for five matches following the tackle that left Canada’s Ismaël Koné with a broken tibia and fibula during the 2026 World Cup group-stage match in Vancouver on 12 June.

Madibo was shown a straight red card in the 51st minute of Canada’s 6-0 victory after catching Koné from behind. Players in the immediate vicinity reacted with alarm as the Canadian midfielder fell to the ground clutching his leg, and Koné was eventually carried off on a stretcher before undergoing surgery on the double fracture.

FIFA cited serious foul play as the basis for the ban, which is subject to appeal. The Qatar national team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Madibo was visibly distressed after the incident and apologised to Koné in person at full time. Koné later acknowledged the outpouring of support on Instagram: “You can’t even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers.”

The five-match suspension falls short of the longest bans FIFA has issued at a World Cup. Uruguay striker Luis Suárez received a nine-match ban and a four-month suspension from all football-related activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Before that, Italy’s Mauro Tassotti was handed an eight-game ban for an elbow on Spain forward Luis Enrique at the 1994 World Cup.

Koné’s injury cast a shadow over what was otherwise a landmark result — Canada’s first-ever World Cup victory.