Nike store in Vancouver with Kone's name on it

Raghav Mehta

Why This Nike Store In Vancouver Read ‘KONE’ Instead Of NIKE

2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada Men's National Soccer Team, Nike

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is turning out to be extremely special for Canada. Having qualified automatically as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, the Canucks are playing in world football’s most prestigious tournament for only the third time in their history.

Drawn into Group B alongside Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and last summer’s hosts, Qatar, Canada performed well in the group stage, securing second place in the group and qualifying to the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

They extended their stay at the party with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a dogged South Africa team on Sunday, as captain Stephen Eustáquio scored in second-half injury time to seal his country’s progression to the Round of 16.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, however. Along the way, they lost one of their most important players to injury. Just like concerned fans, Nike, the current official manufacturer and technical sponsor for the Canadian Soccer Team, showed support to the wounded star in their own, special way.

Ismael Kone, Canada’s engine in midfield, suffered a devastating setback during the 6-0 win against Qatar, after he was tackled from behind by Assim Madibo. Madibo was shown a straight red card, and Kone had to be stretchered off the field.

The injury looked serious on first viewing, and those fears were confirmed upon further examination, as it was determined that Kone had suffered fractures to both the tibia and fibula of his left leg. This brings his World Cup to an end, and he will likely be sidelined for four to five months.

Tributes from fans began pouring in almost instantly after his injury. In a heartwarming gesture, the Nike store in Vancouver also offered a lovely tribute to the midfielder, changing the name on their storefront to “KONE”. The store in question is located on Robson Street in downtown Vancouver, one of the most popular shopping spots in the city.

Kone and Nike have a long-running association. The midfielder has been sponsored by the sportswear giant for a number of years now, and regularly wears the Nike Phantom GX elite boots during games.

Soon after his injury diagnosis, Kone underwent successful surgery to repair the lower limb fracture, and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Though he cannot play any part in the action on the field, he still remains extremely present in Canada’s games.

For Canada’s game against South Africa, Kone was on the bench with his teammates. In the dressing room, he brought out the dance moves to celebrate, even though his injury severely limits his mobility at the moment.

For their next assignment, Canada will face off against the winner of the Round of 32 tie between the Netherlands and Morocco, which will take place in Monterrey on Monday night.

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