What was the "green whistle" being used by Ismael Kone after he was taken off
Photos showed him inhaling from a small green device, prompting many fans to wonder what it was.
XtraTime NewsDesk: Canada’s first-ever win at a World Cup came at a cruel cost on Thursday when midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a horrific injury and was ruled out of the
tournament during the co-hosts’ 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver.
When the Canadian midfielder was taken off the field on a stretcher during Canada’s World Cup match against Qatar on Thursday, photos showed him inhaling from a small green device, prompting many fans to wonder what it was.
Team Canada officials confirmed the inhaler to be Penthrox, also known as methoxyflurane, a fast-acting, non-opioid pain medication that is self-administered for short-term pain relief. It is commonly known as the “green whistle.”
Koné required the device on the field after suffering a broken tibia and fibula (a lower limb fracture) during Canada's match against Qatar, for which he later underwent surgery. It contains methoxyflurane, an anesthetic that kicks in after just 6 to 10 breaths. It creates a feeling similar to laughing gas, taking the edge off the pain without knocking the patient unconscious.
It is self-administered, meaning the patient must be conscious and alert enough to hold the device themselves. If the patient stops inhaling, the drug wears off quickly. It is highly popular in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, but it is not approved for use in the United States.
Ismaël Koné is projected to be sidelined for 4 to 5 months, according to sports medical assessments following his successful surgery. While his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign is officially over, orthopedic surgeons emphasize that the injury is not career-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery
(Photo courtesy: Concacaf/Twitter)
