Canada midfielder Ali Ahmed tears ACL

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 7, 2026

Canada midfielder Ali Ahmed will miss an extended period after suffering a ruptured ACL during a preseason match with Norwich City. His injury is expected to impact his participation in Canada’s upcoming international games against Chile, Peru, and the United States.

Canada midfielder Ali Ahmed will be sidelined for an extended period following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee, Norwich City announced on Thursday. The 25-year-old sustained the injury during the second half of Norwich’s preseason friendly against Spanish club CA Osasuna on Saturday after an awkward landing.

Medical scans confirmed the severity of the injury, and Ahmed is scheduled to undergo surgery. The Toronto native played a significant role in Canada’s advancement to the round of 16 at the recent FIFA World Cup.

Canada’s upcoming international fixtures include home games against Chile on September 26 in Toronto and Peru on October 3 in Montreal, before facing the United States on October 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ahmed’s availability for these matches is expected to be affected by his recovery timeline.

In a gesture of support, Norwich teammate Mohamed Touré will don Ahmed’s No. 21 jersey throughout the season as the midfielder focuses on rehabilitation.

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