Canada defeat Qatar 6-0 to secure first FIFA World Cup win 2026

VANCOUVER: Canada delivered a statement performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, thrashing nine-man Qatar 6-0 at BC Place to record their first-ever victory in the tournament, in a match overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Koné.

It was a night of milestones and emotions for the Canadian side, who produced a dominant display led by a sensational hat-trick from Jonathan David, supported by goals from Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba, and an own goal from Qatar defender Mohammad Manai.

The emphatic win puts Canada in a commanding position in Group B, with just a draw needed against Switzerland in their final group match to secure top spot.

However, celebrations were tempered in the 51st minute when Koné suffered a frightening injury following a late challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo. The midfielder was brought down from behind and immediately went down in visible pain, clutching his left leg as teammates and medical staff rushed to his aid.

The seriousness of the incident was clear as Koné was stretchered off the pitch, receiving oxygen while acknowledging the crowd in an emotional moment that silenced the stadium.

Madibo initially received a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red, reducing Qatar to nine men following an earlier sending-off of Homam El-Amin in the first half.

With a two-man advantage, Canada turned the match into a one-sided showcase.

Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Jonathan David took control, netting twice in the first half to put Canada firmly in command. His sharp movement and clinical finishing left Qatar struggling to cope defensively.

After Koné’s injury and Qatar’s second red card, substitute Nathan Saliba stepped up in style, curling home a superb free-kick in the 64th minute. In a touching gesture, Saliba celebrated by holding up Koné’s jersey toward the crowd, dedicating the goal to his injured teammate.

Another substitute, Jacob Shaffelburg, added further misery for Qatar as his powerful effort deflected into the net off a defender, making it 5-0.

Jonathan David then completed his hat-trick deep into stoppage time, capping off a memorable performance and sealing a historic night for Canadian football.

Prime Minister Mark Carney was among the spectators witnessing the landmark victory, as “Les Rouges” gave their fans a performance to remember.

While Canada celebrated a record-breaking World Cup win, concern now surrounds Koné’s injury, which could cast a shadow over their campaign moving forward.