Canada delivered a statement performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, thrashing a nine-man Qatar side 6-0 in Vancouver to record the country’s first-ever victory at football’s biggest tournament.
The emphatic Group B triumph, however, was overshadowed by a worrying injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné, who was stretchered off in the second half after a dangerous challenge.
Backed by a passionate home crowd at BC Place Stadium, Canada took control early and never looked back. Veteran striker Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Jonathan David took centre stage with a clinical hat-trick that dismantled the Qatari defence.
David struck twice before halftime to put Canada firmly in command, leaving Qatar with a mountain to climb.
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors, who were reduced to 10 men before the break after Homam El-Amin received a red card. Qatar’s hopes of mounting any sort of comeback disappeared shortly after halftime when Assim Madibo was also sent off following a VAR review.
Madibo’s challenge on Koné sparked immediate concern among players and medical staff. The Canadian midfielder was left in visible pain after being caught from behind, and treatment was halted only after he was placed on a stretcher and taken off the field.
The incident briefly silenced the jubilant atmosphere inside the stadium, where Canadian supporters had been celebrating a dominant display from their side.
Canada responded by turning their numerical advantage into a flood of goals.
Nathan Saliba, who came on for the injured Koné, marked his appearance with a superb free-kick in the 64th minute to make it 4-0. In an emotional tribute, the midfielder celebrated by holding up a replica of Koné’s jersey near the touchline.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure, and a dangerous effort from substitute Jacob Shaffelburg forced Qatar defender Mohammad Manai into an own goal for Canada’s fifth.
David then completed his hat-trick deep into stoppage time, putting the finishing touches on a memorable evening for the tournament co-hosts.
The result leaves Canada in a commanding position in Group B and within touching distance of the knockout stage. A draw in their final group match against Switzerland would be enough to secure top spot.
While the scoreline underlined Canada’s growing confidence on the world stage, attention will now turn to the condition of Koné, whose injury cast a shadow over an otherwise historic night for the home side.
Source: MetroTV
