Canada secured its first-ever victory in football World Cups on Thursday by thrashing a nine-man Qatar 6-0, in a Group B match of the 2026 World Cup that was also marked by a serious injury to Ismaël Koné.
In Vancouver, a hat-trick by Jonathan David in the 29th, 45+3, and 90+2 minutes, alongside goals from Cyle Larin in the 16th, Nathan Saliba in the 64th, and an own goal by Mohamed Manai in the 75th, sealed the triumph for the co-hosts.
Before this dominant performance, the Canadian team had only scored a total of three goals across seven historical matches in World Cup history.
The Canadian squad, which unfortunately lost Koné for the remainder of the World Cup due to a severe left leg injury, assumed the leadership of Group B with four points, tied with Switzerland who defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1.
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With this result, Canada is practically guaranteed a spot in the round of 32.
Qatar, who finished the match reduced to nine men following straight red cards shown to Homam Ahmed in the 33rd minute and Assim Madibo in the 53rd minute, currently holds one point in the group standings.
They are tied with Bosnia-Herzegovina, but both teams still mathematically remain in the running for qualification.
