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The 24-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was stretchered off the field after a challenge from Qatari player Assim Madibo in the 51st minute of the match in Vancouver. Kone received oxygen during treatment and waved to the crowd as he was carried off.
Madibo received a red card for the tackle and personally apologized to Kone after the game.
“You can't imagine how grateful I am to everyone who helped me and who is praying for me,” the Canadian international was quoted as saying by the AP agency.
“To my Canadian brothers, I say that from now on I am an assistant coach and will support you from the bench. What you did yesterday will stay with me. I will be back soon and we will create more memories together,” Kone added in a statement published on Instagram.
More on the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- Full Schedule
- Complete Results
- Standings
- News from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- FIFA World Cup TV Schedule
- Team Jerseys
- Stadiums
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