Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches by FIFA's disciplinary committee for a tackle that broke the leg of Canada's Ismaël Koné during a World Cup match on June 23, 2026. The incident occurred in the 34th minute of Canada's 6-0 victory over Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
Madibo was shown a straight red card by referee Mario Escobar after a late challenge on Koné, who was stretchered off the field. Medical reports confirmed Koné suffered a fractured tibia and will miss the remainder of the tournament. Canada Soccer announced on June 24 that Koné underwent successful surgery and is expected to recover fully.
The five-match ban applies to all FIFA-sanctioned matches, including World Cup qualifiers and future tournaments. Madibo, 29, has the right to appeal the decision within 10 days. Qatar's football association has not yet commented on the ruling.
