Canada steam-rolled Qatar with a 6-0 win in Vancouver to take one step towards Round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Two Qatar players committed red card offenses, leaving their defense haphazard for most of the match. Jonathan David went on to score a hat-trick as Canada registered their first-ever win in FIFA World Cup history.
The only setback for Canada was Ismael Kone's injury. He was stretchered off the field due to a lower left injury after Assim Madibo's nasty tackle resulting in Qatar's first red card of the game.
Qatar’s clueless defense
Cyle Larin got Canada an early lead in the 16th minute. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada tried to punch away David's shot but it led to an easy chance for Larin on the rebound. In the 29th minute, David scored off a deflection to extend the lead. A few minutes later, Homan Ahmed was shown the red card for his challenge on Tajon Buchanan. The referee had initially given a penalty but upon video review, he converted it into a free kick outside the box. During first half’s stoppage time, David tripled the lead by getting a touch after goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada’s scratchy attempt to save a header. The Qatar defenders were left red-faced as Canada scored thrice in first half.
Nasty injury, David’s historic hat-trick
Early into the second half, Madibo's tackle from behind led to a nasty injury for Kone which would go on to end his journey at the World Cup. Madibo’s tackle wasn’t intentional and he was left shocked when he saw Kone on the ground in agonising pain.
In the 64th minute, Nathan Saliba inflicted more damage. Came in as a substitute, he scored off a free-kick. 11 minutes later, it turned from bad to worse for Qatar as Mohammed Manai scored an own goal in an attempt to clear the ball.
In the stoppage time as Qatar were getting ready to leave the field, David completed his hat-trick via a shot from inside the box to make it 6-0. He became Canada’s first player to score a hat-trick in World Cups.
Canada’s next group stage match
Canada are now at the top of the points table on the basis of goal difference. Earlier, they played a draw Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ahead of their against Switzerland on June 25, they have one foot in the Round of 32.