Canada are gearing up for a crucial World Cup encounter with Switzerland while rallying around injured midfielder Ismaël Koné, whose tournament came to a heartbreaking end due to a severe leg injury.

VANCOUVER — Stephen Eustáquio admitted he had never felt emptier than after Canada’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar — the nation’s first-ever men’s World Cup win.

“Feeling kinda empty,” he confessed to reporters.

Just three days later, Liam Millar shared that it was “the first time in his life” he couldn’t celebrate a big win with joy. Despite the historic triumph, the atmosphere was sombre as Koné, one of the team’s most influential midfielders, was stretchered off and rushed to hospital for surgery to repair his broken leg.

In that emotional moment, assistant coaches had to pull Nathan Saliba — a close friend of Koné from their CF Montréal days — away from his injured teammate before sending him on for his World Cup debut. Saliba rose to the occasion, scoring a spectacular free kick, though he later admitted he hadn’t felt ready for the responsibility.

On Friday, Koné rejoined the group after undergoing surgery to repair fractures to his tibia and fibula. Three leading surgeons had raced to the hospital after watching the incident live. When he stepped out of the van at the team hotel, teammates greeted him with hugs and chants, while the 24-year-old struggled to hold back tears.

“He was in really good spirits and kept saying he’ll be fine. He’s deeply touched by the love and support,” said head coach Jesse Marsch, who visited Koné in hospital and shares a close relationship with him off the pitch.

“This group amazes me every time — their commitment, their unity, their compassion. It’s comforting to see how deeply they care for one another, even in tough moments like this.”

As in any major tournament, the campaign must continue. Despite Koné’s importance both tactically and emotionally — even as the team’s DJ — Canada must adapt without him on the pitch. He will remain with the squad for the rest of the tournament, providing moral support.

Canada face Switzerland on Wednesday, needing at least a draw to secure top spot in Group B. Finishing first would grant home advantage for the Round of 32 and Round of 16 and an easier path forward. A defeat could set up a challenging meeting with South Korea in Los Angeles before a heavily pro-Korean crowd.

The Saturday reset

Two days after the victory over Qatar, the squad enjoyed a rare off day with a relaxed family barbecue, while some took in the sights around Vancouver.

Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau entertained fans by juggling a football on the pedestrian streets near BC Place, while Cyle Larin visited the FIFA Fan Festival. Just days earlier, Koné had walked those same streets, soaking up the World Cup atmosphere unnoticed.

The World Cup in Canada has brought a unique energy. Expectations are sky-high after the team’s semifinal run at the 2024 Copa América, yet many casual fans are only now becoming familiar with the players who are stepping into the global spotlight.

Saturday provided the squad with a mental reset. With families and friends in town, it was a rare moment where personal lives and football crossed paths.

Outpouring of support

When Canada returned to training on Sunday — without Koné and with Eustáquio missing for undisclosed reasons during the open media session — the sunny morning in Vancouver carried a mix of reflection and positivity. Many players marked Father’s Day after reuniting with their families the night before.

Support for Koné was visible everywhere. Near BC Place, a fan had arranged letters on a balcony spelling his name against the skyline, while local children from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation painted Koné’s No. 8 on their shirts in tribute.

The team, though missing their musical leader and locker-room motivator, remained upbeat and focused. Captain Alphonso Davies lightened the mood during training, joking with Saliba — the 22-year-old most likely to replace Koné — while Marsch spent time speaking individually with Saliba, Niko Sigur, Mathieu Choinière, and Jonathan Osorio, all potential midfield options.

“Ismaël set an incredible example of how to handle adversity. He clapped everyone off, shook hands, hugged every teammate, and reassured us that he was okay,” Millar said, recalling his own long recovery from an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season.

“I know how tough that is. We’re all proud of how he handled it — with class and strength.”

An unexpected advantage

For Millar and several others, their own injury experiences have become a source of empathy and strength. They know firsthand the road ahead for Koné and how best to support him through recovery.

Crépeau, centre-back Moïse Bombito, and winger Tajon Buchanan have all endured long layoffs with broken legs. Davies, despite his usually vibrant personality, has not featured for Canada since March 2025.

Perseverance is ingrained in this squad. Marsch’s emphasis on depth and resilience has built a culture where belief runs deep, even when top players are sidelined.

“Fans who’ve followed us for years know we’ve faced injuries like this before — and every challenge, every win or loss, has only brought us closer,” said Crépeau, who missed the 2022 World Cup after breaking his leg in the MLS Cup final with LAFC.

“Ismaël’s injury is just another example of how united and connected we are as a team.”

That collective spirit will be critical again, much as it was after Buchanan’s injury at the 2024 Copa América. The team’s core, forged under former coach John Herdman’s ‘brotherhood’ ethos, continues to draw strength from adversity and camaraderie.

More than motivation

As much as emotional unity will matter, tactical adjustments are equally vital. Koné’s absence leaves a significant gap in midfield. While Saliba’s attacking instincts are promising, his defensive discipline remains unproven — a weakness exposed in a 2-2 draw with Iceland earlier this year.

Choinière has struggled for form with LAFC and rarely played alongside Eustáquio, while Osorio, the squad’s most senior player, seems unlikely to feature prominently.

Saliba is expected to step in first, but Marsch will not hesitate to make changes if needed. Sigur, who has featured in central midfield before, or even Davies, could be options — especially if a midfield role reduces Davies’ sprinting workload.

Canada Soccer has not provided an update on Eustáquio’s condition, but should he be unavailable, the team may line up with an untested pairing of Choinière and Saliba against Switzerland’s powerful midfield.

While the midfield may not be as solid as in earlier matches, Marsch’s optimism and the squad’s chemistry could still propel Canada deep into the tournament, beginning with Wednesday’s showdown.

The 6-0 win over Qatar was both a statement and a source of confidence. Though the joy was tempered by Koné’s injury, the momentum — coupled with Marsch’s enthusiastic and emotionally open leadership — could serve as Canada’s secret weapon.

“He’s passionate and expressive — that’s who he is every day,” Millar said of Marsch. “It’s great to have a coach who’s genuine, who shows real emotion. That makes a difference for the group.”