Koné-Marsch sideline spat all part of Canadian men's team's learning process as it prepares for World Cup 2026

Chris Jones is in Wales with Canada's men's soccer team for Tuesday's friendly as it continues preparations for next year's FIFA World Cup.

Ismael Koné, Canada's sometimes mercurial midfielder, looked down at his chest, as though his uniform might help him find the right words. 

"I think it's hard for me as a person to kind of show what I'm about," he said. "I care about this jersey and this team more than anything."

WATCH | Chris Jones on what happened between Ismael Koné and Jesse Marsch:

What happened after the Koné incident?

During last Friday's friendly against Romania, his passion was more negatively expressed. With Canada leading 2-0, but the home side starting to muster, head coach Jesse Marsch took Koné off in favour of the more defensively minded Nathan Saliba.

Koné unleashed his disappointment, headed to the bench, and then returned to Marsch for more, held back only by reserve goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

An emotional Koné did not speak to reporters after the game, which Canada won, 3-0, the first men's victory in Europe since 2011. He walked to the bus with his black hood pulled down over his face and a team staffer's arm around his back.

The 23-year-old was also not made available over the weekend when the team travelled from Bucharest to Swansea, where Canada will play Wales on Tuesday night.

He finally spoke on Monday, flanked by his coach. In an unusual reveal, Marsch had already said that Koné will start against Wales when a different manager might have punished him.

"Every game I play with the national team is a chance for me to give back for that trust," Koné said.

WATCH | Chris Jones on camaraderie of Canada's men's team:

On the road with CanMNT in Wales

He's an undeniable talent, a