What to know
- Canadian fans in Vancouver are paying tribute to midfielder Ismaël Koné ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup match against Switzerland.
- Hundreds of supporters signed a banner with messages of encouragement as the player recovers from a fractured leg.
- Fan group, The Voyageurs, plans to wave thousands of No. 8 jerseys during the march to BC Place in Koné’s honour.
- Koné suffered the injury during Canada’s 6–0 victory over Qatar and later underwent successful surgery.
As Canada faces Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver, fans are showing their support for midfielder Ismaël Koné, after he suffered a serious injury last week.
Canada’s next World Cup game is taking place at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and fans are already gathered in Vancouver to cheer on the home team.
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Amid early game celebrations, fans are also taking the opportunity to honour Koné, as the player recovers from fracturing his leg during a match against Qatar last week.
In a video captured by Now Toronto, hundreds of fans are seen writing supportive messages to Koné in a white banner. Many shared their good wishes for the player’s recovery, and others indicated hope for his future.
Local fan group The Voyageurs, which organizes fan marches for the team, announced they will also be waving thousands of No. 8 jerseys at today’s march to the stadium in Vancouver, as a tribute to Koné.
Koné fractures leg during Qatar match
Canada’s historic win against Qatar last week was marked by excitement, along with a frightening moment for the team when Koné was injured.
The midfielder suffered a visible injury on his left leg after a tackle by Qatar’s Assim Madibo at the 52-minute mark. He was carried out of the game to the hospital, while he waved to the crowd.
Koné later underwent surgery, which Team Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch said was a success, and shared an emotional message with his teammates and fans.
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The game against Switzerland marks Canada’s last group stage match. The team has already secured its place in the knockout stage, with a historic 6–0 victory over Qatar. Today’s winner will define which team will lead Group B.
