"Heard the bone break" horror injury rocks World Cup

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World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finally gets under way (All times AEST).

"HEARD THE BONE BREAK"

The biggest day in Canadian football history was overshadowed by the most gruesome of injuries.

Not long after half-time, what seemed a clumsy yet innocuous enough tackle on Ismaël Koné, broke his leg and the stadium in Vancouver fell silent.

Medics rushed to his side as vision showed his leg severely distorted.

Players were distraught and the Qatari midfielder responsible for the tackle Assim Madibo was in tears as Kone was stretchered off the field and taken to hospital.

“You could hear the bone snap,” Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said. “Your heart goes out to him. Everybody’s shaken for him.”

When asked for his take on the tackle, Marsch added: “I don’t think he meant such a gruesome situation. I don’t fault him for that.

“I don’t understand the reaction from their entire bench trying to start a fight.

“Saying it’s not a red card on a clear foul that broke a player’s leg. Strange behaviour.”

Qatar head coach Julien Lopetegui said: “I can assure no one wants to make this injury, it was an accident.”

Marsch confirmed Kone would be undergoing surgery.

NEYMAR OUT OF HAITI CLASH

A blow for Brazil with confirmation superstar Neymar is not travelling for the team's second group stage clash against Haiti in Philadelphia.

The veteran has been under an injury cloud with a calf issue for the last few weeks and played no role in Brazil's opening draw against Morocco.

"Neymar will not travel with the squad to Philadelphia. He will remain in New Jersey to optimise the final stage of his recovery, utilizing the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training complex," the Brazilian Football Confederation said in a statement.

Neymar has not played in more than a month and has not featured for his country since 2023.

Brazil's third group stage match will be against Scotland.

SPYGATE GENIUS TACTIC

The World Cup “spygate” scandal has taken an unexpected twist with South Korea’s coach revealing an extraordinary strategy to concealing his side’s tactics.

Amid allegations of drones being flown over training grounds and a Swedish assistant coach sneaking into a closed session, Shin Tae-yong said he had been ahead of the prying eyes well before the World Cup.

Besides Tottenham forward Son Heung-min and captain Ki Sung-yueng, all of South Korea’s players were told to swap numbers for their pre-tournament friendlies so that rivals could not tell who was playing where.

"We switched them around because we didn't want to show our opponents everything and to try and confuse them," said Shin.

"They might know a few of our players but it is very difficult for Westerners to distinguish between Asians and that's why we did that.

"All coaches probably feel their opponents are always spying on them.

"I think it's perfectly natural that we all try to get as much information on each other as we can."

South Korea will play Sweden in their final group game next week and their coach was forced to make an apology after one of his scouts was busted inside a training session closed to the public.

"He heard about a practice session, he didn't understand that it was a closed session, he didn't understand and he watched from a distance," said Andersson.

"It's very important we show respect to all our opponents in all circumstances. If someone could interpret it in another way we regret it.

"It's been made a mountain out of a molehill."

1-0 AT FT

Host nation Mexico has made it two from two in the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea.

The Asian side furiously chased an equaliser in Guadalajara but were constantly denied by Raul Rangel and his defence.

Mexico is yet to concede a goal and sits atop Group A with six points and a goal difference of three.

El Tri next meet Czechia back in Mexico City on June 25 as they strive to top the group and subsequently lock in a Round of 32 fixture at Estadio Azteca.

South Korea will take on South Africa on the same date in bid to finish first or second to advance to the knockout phase.

GOAL MEXICO!

The Mexicans have been good value for a lead and they’ve finally found the back of the net.

It’s an absolute shocker from South Korean keeper Seung-Gyu Kim who drops a fairly simple effort, only to see Luis Romo knock it home.

A bad error which sees the South Koreans behind.

HORROR INJURY

Shocking injury to Canada's Ismael Kone.

A challenge from behind from Assim Madibo has caused a gruesome leg injury.

All Canadian and Qatari players were standing with heads in hands.

Feel for Kone but also Madibo who was distraught. It wasn't the most horrible of challenges but enough to see him sent off, and the tackle did do plenty of damage.

A thumbs up from Kone as he was stretchered off the field.

After the match, Canada coach Jesse Marsch said Madibo had visited the dressing room to apologise.

“The player apologized to Ismael. He came into the dressing room. The team let him know that happened.

“He’ll be fine, we’ll get him good doctors and get him back but that kid is a big part of our future and everything we do.”

"Ismael is such a great kid. He’s so imperfect but that’s part of why you love him.

“He can do great things that nobody else can do, then the next moment he loses concentration.”

Canada striker Cyle Larin said the result showed the world not to underestimate the side.

"We showed the world who Canada is," he said. "A lot of players came from nowhere, basically. We showed the fight we have in us. And we showed that we can perform on the world stage. We are just getting started.

"Ismael Kone's injury hurts and was emotional, but we went back out there and got the job done. Switzerland are around the corner and the job is not finished. I think we can do way better and we will have Kone in the back of our minds and do it for him."

CANADA GOALS 4 & 5

A lovely touch after Canada's fourth goal as Nathan Saliba scores a direct free kick and the team huddles together.

Saliba then ran to the bench to hold up a Kone No.8 shirt.

And the fifth goal comes from Jacob Shaffelburg. Canada running riot.

GREATEST KIT AT WORLD CUP 2026?

Stop the search, South Korea wins. In about an hour from now the term "South Korea World Cup jacket" will be trending and these puppies will be selling out online.

They're INSANE.

WORLD CUP HAT-TRICK ON HOME SOIL

Canada have made it six in Vancouver! A dream night out for every single fan in that stadium as Jonathan David claims his third and becomes the first player from a host nation to net three since 1966.

MESSI FAMILY FORCED TO SPEAK

Lionel Messi's family have been forced to address fake reports that the superstar's father has passed away.

Messi was reduced to tears after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's opening match against Algeria this week and later explained his emotions were because of a difficult personal situation.

It has since been confirmed that his father Jorge Messi is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.

But on Friday morning (AEST) inaccurate reports were circulating in Messi's homeland which claimed his father had died.

The family released a statement pleading for privacy and slamming the lack of respect.

"He is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favourably within his current condition," the statement read.

"Given the versions, rumours, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter.

"The family also wishes to clarify that only his closest family members have accurate and reliable information about Jorge's condition.

"Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come from the family itself and its official channels should not be considered valid or true.

"At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and compassion.

"A person's health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be subject to speculation or irresponsible media interest.

"We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern received, and we request that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process.

"Any relevant updates will be communicated promptly by the family and through the appropriate channels."

GOAL CANADA!

Canada goes 4-0 up against 9-man Qatar.

Nathan Saliba, who replaced the injured Kone, whips a free kick over the wall and through Abunada.

A nice moment for the Canadians after seeing their teammate stretchered off.

GOAL CANADA!

It's a third goal for Canada, Jonathan David has his second.

Opening scorer Cyle Larin's header was superbly saved by Abunada but it fell nicely for David to easily tap home.

A stunning first half from the Canadians who lead 3-0 at half-time against a 10-man Qatar.

RED CARD

Canada's Tajon Buchanan was felled in the area by Homam Ahmed who was sent off for his actions after a VAR check.

It was initially awarded a penalty and a yellow but VAR changed it to a free kick and a red.

Seems a bit unlucky for Qatar to lose a man for that.

GOAL CANADA!

A smashing volley from Jonathan David.

The ball deflected into his path and he needed no invitation to send it beyond Qatari keeper Mahumd Abunada.

David opens his World Cup account.

The Canadians are looking good, ey.

CANADA IS ROCKING!

The stadium in Vancouver will be shaking! Canada have taken the lead against Qatar and the goalkeeper is dreadfully unlucky not to have held on to that ball.

Cyle Larin is the hero and I'm reliably inform the side has never lost after he has scored.

We wait and see.

VISA UPDATE!

The Ivory Coast has just released a statement that Wahi has been granted permission to enter Canada having initially been banned.

"The necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory have now been obtained," a statement from FIF said.

"As a result, the Ivorian international is authorised to travel with the Elephants' delegation to Canada and will continue his participation in the competition alongside his team-mates as normal.

"The FIF welcomes this positive outcome and thanks the various parties who contributed to handling this matter."

MATCH FIXING STAR BANNED

Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been refused entry to Canada amid a match fixing investigation following his arrest last month.

It means he will miss his country's second group stage clash against Germany.

"The Ivorian Football Federation has taken note of the various articles and information published on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concerning Ivorian international Elye Wahi. To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings involving him.

"In this particularly delicate period, the FIF extends all its support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important element of the Ivory Coast national team."

"The FIF also informs that the player will not be able to join the delegation's trip to Canada. Indeed, the necessary administrative authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage.

"Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States pending the team's return. The Ivorian Football Federation will continue to follow the situation closely and will communicate any useful official information."

Wahi was arrested two weeks before joining up with his national side for the World Cup.

According to The Athletic, the 23-year-old is part of an active investigation into whether he deliberately got himself yellow carded during his club St Etienne’s draw with Nice in May Twelve days later, on May 29 he was arrested due to “an unusual volume of bets relating to a booking involving the player Elye Wahi”.

Wahi played 56 minutes for the Ivory Coast in the 1-0 win over Ecuador earlier this week but that match was in America.

SOCCEROOS BOOSTED

A boost for Australia ahead of what has become one of the biggest grudge matches of this World Cup with news USA star Christian Pulisic is still not training fully with the team.

Less than 24 hours out from the second group game for both sides, the AC Milan winger was seen training away from his teammates with his calf heavily strapped.

Pulisic sustained the injury during a training session before the USA’s first group match against Paraguay which they won 4-1.

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KNOW YOUR WORLD CUP?

FT IN LA

Switzerland have secured a first win of the 2026 World Cup by comfortably accounting for Bosnia & Herzegovina 4-1 at SoFi in Inglewood.

All five goals and one red card in the final 25 minutes. Hectic.

A brace from sub Johan Manzambi, a goal from Ruben Vargas (and two assists), and a late penalty from Granit Xhaka did the damage for Hop Suisse.

Ermin Mahmic struck a lovely volley late but it was no good for Bosnia who lost Tarik Muharemovic to a red card.

The unbeaten Swiss, who are sitting on top of Group B with four points, next meet Canada (who plays Qatar at 8am) on June 25.

Bosnia has just one point after two games and will have to beat Qatar in their final group outing on June 25 to be any chance of progressing.

PENALTY TO SWITZERLAND!

Amar Memic has cut Djibril Sow down in the area. Clear pen.

Granit Xhaka steps up and squeezes it in past Vasilj who guessed correct, but couldn't reach.

Xhaka has tucked it away neatly. 4-1 Switzerland.

GOAL BOSNIA!

The Bosnians have grabbed a late consolation goal.

An in-swinging corner was punched by Gregor Kobel into the path of Ermin Mahmic who rockets a volley straight back past the Swiss gloveman.

Sumptuous finish, but it's 3-1 Switzerland.

GOAL SWITZERLAND!

And the Swiss are 2-0 to the good.

A deft ball from Embolo finds Ruben Vargas in the box and he calmly side-foots it beyond Vasilj.

Game, set, match to the Swiss, you'd imagine.

GOAL SWITZERLAND!

It's raining goals now.

The Swiss making the most of their one-man advantage.

It's Manzambi with a brace, finishing a low cross from the left from Vargas with consummate ease.

RED CARD

Bosnia & Herzegovina are down to 10 men.

Tarik Muharemovic has been given his marching orders in the 80th minute after impeding the run of Swiss striker Breel Embolo. Straight red.

That's four reds so far this World Cup after three in the Mexico v South Africa opener.

GOAL SWITZERLAND!

We have a goal at SoFi and Switzerland leads 1-0.

It's Johan Manzambi who breaks the deadlock by lashing a volley beyond Bosnia keeper Nikola Vasilj just moments after coming on as a sub.

Hop Suisse!

1-1 IN ATLANTA

The second Group A fixture between Czechia and South Africa ended 1-1 in Atlanta.

Michal Sadilek opened the scoring for the Cezchs but they couldn't see out a win with Teboho Mokoena converting form the penalty spot on 83 minutes.

Honours shared but they'll both need a win in their final group games to be any chance of advancing to the Round of 32.

Mexico and South Korea, who both won their openers, are set to play in Guadalajara at 11am AEST today.