VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Canada wins first tournament world cup The cost was high. Nathan Saliba, 22, could be the player needed to stabilize the midfield after his breakthrough performances in the league. Won against Qatar 6-0.
Canada’s victory was clouded by an ominous injury to Ismael Kone. I fractured the tibia and fibula of my left leg. Following the challenge of Qatar’s Asim Madibo. Saliba came on for Kone and scored within 10 minutes. He then held up Kone’s jersey to pay his respects.
“Saliba is a top player,” forward Liam Miller said before Canada’s practice on Sunday. “He understands the game very well. He’s a very mature player, especially for his age.”
Canada coach Jesse Marsch has not said who will take on Kone’s role Wednesday against higher-ranked Switzerland.
Another option could be Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, who is yet to feature in this World Cup due to a lingering hamstring injury. After finishing top of Group B and with the chance to stay at home in Vancouver until the round of 32, Marsh may decide now is the time to make his long-awaited return to action for the veteran.
In the match against Qatar, it was Saliba who immediately responded after receiving the call.
The Anderlecht midfielder curled a free kick directly from just outside the penalty area surrounding the Qatari wall and hit the right post for Canada’s fourth goal of the game.
It was Saliba’s third international goal, his first in a World Cup, and Canada’s first from a direct free kick in a World Cup.
Saliba’s tribute to Kone demonstrated the close bond Canada has developed while dealing with multiple injuries that have complicated their path to this World Cup.
“When you have a great brotherhood off the field, it helps you make sacrifices on the pitch,” Saliba said after the game against Qatar.
Kone is the fourth Canadian player in the last four years to recover from a broken foot. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau missed the last World Cup due to injury, and forward Tajon Buchanan had to recover from a broken foot in 2024.
Defender Moises Bonvito broke his leg in October. He attended his first game against Qatar in the 2026 World Cup, but was on the pitch for just five minutes when his close friend Kone suffered a serious injury.
“I try to be there for him as much as I can and let him know he’s not alone,” Bonvito said during Monday’s training session in Canada.
Saliba is keen to contribute to the team in a connecting role and established himself as a reliable option against Qatar.
Kone has started 32 of 42 games, while only starting seven of 16 with Canada. Both players came through CF Montreal’s system, with Kone playing for the club in 2021 and 2022, and Saliba making his debut in 2023.
Saliba’s goal against Qatar was just part of what impressed his teammates. Midfielder Steven Eustaquio said after the game that Saliba also provided a “midfield presence” that helped Canada recover from the mental blow of losing connections.
Saliba did not play in Canada’s opening game. 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovinaand Marsh admitted he was often overlooked previously due to the depth of the team’s midfield.
“I’m glad[Saliba]has faith in me,” Marsh said after the young midfielder’s performance against Qatar. “Even though I let him down so many times. I think the way he played shows that I made some mistakes along the way.”
He added that Saliba has “a great eye for attacking plays and a great eye for passing for the final play.”
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Drew Renner is a student at the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup
