Canada hammer nine-man Qatar to seal first World Cup win
TLE DESK: Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as Canada claimed the first World Cup victory in their history with a commanding 6-0 win over nine-man Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday, moving to the brink of the knockout stage.
The Canadians dominated throughout a one-sided Group B encounter at BC Place, although the celebrations were tempered by a serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné, who suffered a broken left leg following a challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo early in the second half.
Madibo was shown a straight red card for the tackle, while Homan Ahmed had earlier been dismissed after a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Tajon Buchanan, leaving Qatar with nine men.
Canada took the lead in the 16th minute when Cyle Larin converted from close range after goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada parried David’s effort.
David doubled the advantage in the 29th minute with a well-struck volley before adding a second goal in first-half stoppage time to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break.
Substitute Nathan Saliba made it 4-0 with a free-kick in the 64th minute before Mohamed Manai turned the ball into his own net 11 minutes later.
David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to cap a memorable evening for the hosts, becoming only the second player after Lionel Messi to score three goals in a match at the 2026 World Cup.
The result marked a historic milestone for Canada, who had never previously won a match at the World Cup.
“No one will forget this day, and no Canadian will forget this day,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said. “It’s an incredibly significant moment that shows the talent, mentality and desire that exist in this country.”
Canada’s joy was overshadowed by concern for Koné, who was taken to hospital and prepared for surgery. Marsch said the midfielder’s family was with him.
Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui acknowledged the challenge facing his side after the two dismissals.
“It was a very difficult match for many reasons,” he said. “The players did their best, but it was extremely hard to compete with two players fewer.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and FIFA president Gianni Infantino were among the crowd of 52,497 at BC Place.
Earlier on Thursday, Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in the other Group B match, boosting Canada’s chances of reaching the last 16.
