ATLANTA — Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches by FIFA for a dangerous tackle that fractured the leg of Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The incident occurred in the group stage match between Canada and Qatar on June 18, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Madibo's tackle in the 73rd minute resulted in a red card and left Koné with a broken tibia. Koné, 24, underwent surgery on June 19 and is expected to be sidelined for four to six months, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament. Canada went on to win the match 2-1.
FIFA's disciplinary committee announced the suspension on June 24, 2026, citing a serious breach of player safety. The ban applies to all international matches, including World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup. Madibo, 29, has apologized publicly, stating the tackle was not intentional.
This marks one of the longest suspensions for an on-field incident in World Cup history. The Qatar Football Association has not announced an appeal.
