Canada faced a key concern two days before its World Cup opener when Ismaël Koné, one of the team’s most important midfielders, did not take part in training on Wednesday in Toronto. Koné arrived with the squad in full training gear, but later left in a car. A Canada Soccer representative said he missed the session for “undisclosed” reasons, and head coach Jesse Marsch was not available for comment after training.
Koné’s absence stood out because he had trained fully with Canada throughout camp and had been expected to start in an advanced midfield role against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is viewed as a major attacking presence for Canada and a possible difference-maker. His performance in Canada’s 1-1 friendly draw with Ireland on June 5 was considered one of his strongest outings for the national team.
Questions also lingered after Koné was seen with tape over his left wrist during Tuesday’s training session. Canada Soccer has not said whether any wrist issue contributed to his missed session. When asked about the wrist earlier, Koné said “something happened” during the Ireland match but insisted he was “fine.”
Despite the uncertainty around Koné, Canada also continued to manage several other injury situations. Alphonso Davies remains in return-to-play protocol and trained separately from the team. On Tuesday, Davies started about 30 minutes after his teammates, and on Wednesday he trained for the same duration as the rest of the squad, though still apart from the main group.
Ralph Priso is also still in return-to-play protocol. The defender began training in cleats on Wednesday, a step forward from earlier sessions in which he wore training shoes. Moise Bombito, meanwhile, participated only in modified training and continued wearing a large piece of tape over his shin. Bombito, one of Canada’s top defenders, previously broke his leg in October while playing for OGC Nice, and his availability for the World Cup remains uncertain.
Canada Soccer has until 3 p.m. ET Thursday, 24 hours before kickoff, to announce any injury replacements if needed. That deadline adds pressure as the team prepares for one of the most significant matches in its World Cup history.
Koné’s situation is especially important because Marsch has described him as an “X factor” for the team, praising his energy, ball control and ability to create problems for opponents. Koné himself said on Tuesday that he was eager for the tournament to begin after weeks of preparation, tactics sessions and intensive training. He said the team had already done the work and was ready to start on June 12.
With Canada still dealing with injury concerns and one of its key midfielders suddenly absent from training, the team enters its opener with some uncertainty. But the focus now shifts to whether Koné will be available when Canada takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
