Canada demolish Qatar 6–0 for historic first World Cup win; Kone suffers serious injury

In a Group B match of the 2026 World Cup played on the evening of June 18 at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada delivered a stunning performance, defeating Qatar 6–0 – the Maple Leafs’ first win at football’s biggest tournament.

Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba each added a goal, and Qatar also contributed an own goal as Canada collected all three points. The result means Canada need only a draw against Switzerland in their final group match to finish top of Group B, while Qatar and Bosnia & Herzegovina will battle for third place on June 19 (local time).

Yet the festive atmosphere in Vancouver – where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was in attendance – was severely marred after midfielder Ismael Kone was injured in the 51st minute. Qatar defender Assim Madibo lunged from behind, bringing Kone down in clear pain as he clutched his left leg. Teammates immediately called for medical staff. Kone was stretchered off the field with an oxygen mask, waving to the crowd.

Initially shown a yellow card, Madibo was sent off after a VAR review by the referee – the second red card for Qatar in the match, following Homam el-Amin’s dismissal in the first half.

With Qatar reduced to nine men, Canada took full advantage, scoring three more goals. Nathan Saliba – Kone’s replacement – converted a free kick in the 64th minute to make it 4–0. He celebrated by sprinting to the sideline, holding up Kone’s shirt and raising eight fingers – his teammate’s jersey number.

In the 77th minute, a powerful shot from substitute Jacob Shaffelburg was deflected into his own net by defender Mohammad Manai, making it 5–0. Deep into second‑half stoppage time, Jonathan David completed his hat‑trick with a precise finish to seal the 6–0 demolition.

David’s hat‑trick was the 56th in men’s World Cup history and the second of the 2026 tournament, following Lionel Messi’s treble in Argentina’s 3–0 win over Algeria. David also became the first CONCACAF player to score a hat‑trick since 1930 and the first Canadian to score multiple goals in a World Cup match.

Tensions flared after the final whistle as players from both sides clashed at the halfway line, requiring intervention from FIFA volunteers and team staff.

David said: “It was a great game even before Kone got hurt. But after his injury, it was difficult to focus on the match. All of us just wanted the game to end so we could be together. It will take a few days to sink in, but we know we made history for our country today – our first World Cup win – and we did it in a fantastic way.”