Ismael Cohn was spotted at BC Place in Vancouver ahead of Canada’s World Cup match against Switzerland and received a warm welcome in an emotional scene.
Canada’s Ismael Kone in a wheelchair before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match between Switzerland and Canada (Image: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Canadian star Ismael Cohn made his first public appearance since his foot injury and received a standing ovation in emotional World Cup scenes. Kone broke his leg during Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar in the second leg of the tournament and was carried off the field on a stretcher.
After the match, it was confirmed that the midfielder had fractured his tibia and fibula following a provocation from Qatari player Asim Madibo, and was subsequently shown a red card for the tackle.
Ahead of Wednesday’s final Group B match against Switzerland, Kone was seen parading around the pitch in a wheelchair, receiving a hero’s welcome from supporters inside the stadium.
World Cup icon Thomas Muller, who was working as a commentator for Magenta TV inside Vancouver’s stadium, was photographed shaking Cone’s hand as he passed him pitchside. Muller was clearly moved and later sent a message to Kone on social media: “A warm welcome from the fans to the injured Ismael Kone. Get well soon!”
Kone underwent successful surgery on his injury last Thursday, and Canada Soccer confirmed the midfielder will not play again at this summer’s World Cup.
“Last night, Ismael Cohn underwent successful surgery to repair a fractured leg,” Canada Soccer confirmed in a statement last week. “He is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The club Kone currently plays for, Sassuolo, also released their own statement regarding the success of the midfielder’s surgery.
“The surgery to repair the fracture in his left leg was completely successful,” their statement said. “The player will begin a rehabilitation program in the coming days. The entire club wishes Ismael a speedy recovery.”
Canada coach Jesse Marsh also provided an update on Cone’s health after revealing he had visited the midfielder in hospital.
Ismael Cohn receives a warm welcome upon returning to BC Place Vancouver (Image: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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“By the time we got to him, he was already on some medication to sedate him a little bit,” Marsh told reporters Friday. “He was getting ready to go into the operating room.
“But he was really fine and was adamant he was fine. (The surgery) took about an hour and a half and there were three surgeons.”
“I think what happened was that the surgeons saw it on TV and saw what happened and immediately knew. So they immediately brought their top three surgeons to the hospital to take care of him.
“So by the time he arrived, the surgeon was on site and ready to go. And all we had to do was communicate with the medical team to make sure surgery was the best option we thought.”
“But when we met with them and talked to them about the situation, we could see that he was in really good condition, so they said the surgery went very well.”
Canada finished their opening two games with one win and one draw heading into the match against Group B leader Switzerland.
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