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Canada produced a dominant display to thrash nine-man Qatar 6-0 and move to the top of Group B at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the emphatic victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.
Playing before a packed home crowd at BC Place in Vancouver, the co-hosts secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals victory in style, with Jonathan David scoring a hat-trick and Cyle Larin continuing his fine goalscoring form.
Canada took control in the 16th minute when Larin finished from close range to open the scoring. David doubled the advantage in the 29th minute before Qatar’s task became even more difficult when Homam El Amin was sent off four minutes later for a professional foul on Tajon Buchanan.
David struck again deep into first-half stoppage time to hand Canada a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
The second half was marred by a worrying injury to Kone. The midfielder was involved in a heavy challenge with Qatar’s Assim Madibo, leading to a lengthy stoppage. Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but the decision was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review, reducing Qatar to nine men.
Kone was stretchered off the pitch but acknowledged supporters as they chanted his name. The incident visibly affected Canada coach Jesse Marsch, who was seen in tears on the touchline.
Canada pressed on despite the setback. Nathan Saliba curled home a free-kick in the 64th minute to make it 4-0 and celebrated by holding up Kone’s shirt in tribute to his injured teammate.
The hosts added a fifth goal in the 75th minute when Mohammad Al Mannai inadvertently turned Jacob Shaffelburg’s effort into his own net. David then completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, finishing confidently to seal a comprehensive 6-0 victory.
The result lifts Canada to the summit of Group B, level on points with Switzerland but ahead on goal difference. The North Americans now head into their final group match against Switzerland knowing a positive result could secure top spot and a favourable route into the knockout stages.
For Qatar, the defeat leaves their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. The Asian side must now defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final group game and hope other results go their way to stand any chance of reaching the last 32.
While Canada will celebrate a historic win and a clinical attacking display, attention will now turn to the condition of Kone, whose injury could prove a significant concern as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
