Canada defeated Qatar 6:0 at the 2026 World Cup: first victory in history and David's hat-trick

Team Canada won a historic first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Qatar 6:0. Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, but the joy was marred by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which takes place in the USA, Canada and Mexico, gave the first real sensation for the tournament hosts, notes xrust. The Canadian team literally swept away the Qatar team with a score of 6:0 in the Group B match at BC Place stadium in Vancouver. This is the first victory for Canadians in the history of performances at world championships. The main hero was striker Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick.

For Russia and millions of fans around the world, this match became a shining example of how a home championship can motivate a team. Canada, as one of the hosts of the tournament (along with the USA and Mexico), entered the field with enormous support. Fans across the country, including the famous Niagara Falls, gathered at the screens with beer and the national dish — poutine (french fries with cheese and gravy). After the final whistle, the real celebration began: hugs, Canadian flags and shouts of “This is our time!”

How the match developed

Canada seized the initiative from the first minutes. Already in the first half, Cyle Larin opened the scoring, finishing off the ball after a rebound. Then Jonathan David scored twice: first with a powerful volley, and then close to the goal. Qatar, which was already playing weakly, was left with ten men in the first half — Homam Ahmed received a red card for a flagrant foul on Teijon Buchanan.

In the second half, events developed even more dramatically. In the 54th minute, the hosts' midfielder Ismael Kone (24 years old, plays in the Italian Serie A for Sassuolo) received a serious injury — a broken leg after a tackle from Assim Madibo. The referee initially showed a yellow card, but after a VAR review, sent off the Qatar player. Kone was taken away on a stretcher, and the match continued with the score 9 versus 11.

Despite the shock of the injury, the Canadians did not slow down. Nathan Saliba, who came on as a substitute for Kone, scored a goal and dedicated it to his injured partner, holding up his number 8 shirt. An own goal from Mohamed Manaya and David's finishing strike in stoppage time brought the score to a devastating 6:0.

Shadow of trauma over the holiday

The joy of victory was overshadowed by Kone's injury. Canadian head coach Jesse Marsh noted that the sound of the impact could be heard even from the bench. “Everyone heard a bone crunch,” Marsh said. The player has already been sent to the hospital for surgery. This is a serious loss for the team before the key match against Switzerland on June 24.

Marsh praised the gesture of Madibo, who came to the Canadian locker room to apologize, but criticized the reaction of the Qatar bench. David admitted after the match that it was difficult for the team to concentrate: “We just wanted the game to end as quickly as possible and to be together.”

Position in the group and prospects

After two matches, Canada and Switzerland have 4 points each, but the Canadians lead on goal difference. Qatar, with zero points, has practically lost its chances of qualifying from the group. In the next round, Canada will play Switzerland in Vancouver, and Qatar will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For comparison: other groups are also showing interesting results. Argentina (the defending champion) started the tournament strong, with Mexico and the USA (co-hosts) also in contention. The expanded format of 48 teams (for the first time in history) gives even the average players more chances, which makes the 2026 World Cup especially spectacular.

Reaction in Russia and the world

Russian fans are actively discussing the match on social networks. Many have noted that Canada, not traditionally a soccer power (dominated by hockey and baseball), is showing character at its home tournament. “Well done Canadians! The first victory is always a celebration,” they write in the comments. For us Russians, this is a reminder of how important it is to support your team even in difficult times. Ticket and broadcast prices for the World Cup are high (many people complain in the US and Canada), but the atmosphere makes it all worth it.

Experts emphasize that such a victory will raise interest in football in Canada and help the development of the sport in North America. FIFA, despite criticism over prices and logistics, sees great potential in the tournament.

What's next?

The World Championship continues. Follow the matches in the «Sports» section. Canada has proven that even outsiders are capable of miracles. We are waiting for new bright stories from the owners and favorites!

Based on materials from https://www.reuters.com

Xrust Canada defeated Qatar 6:0 at World Cup 2026: first victory in history and David's hat-trick