Canada secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a commanding 6-0 win over a nine-man Qatar in a Group B match at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Thursday.

Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba added goals, and a Qatar own goal completed the rout. Canada now needs only a draw against Switzerland to top the group.

The celebratory mood was dampened by a serious injury to Qatar midfielder Ismael Kone in the 51st minute. Assim Madibo's clumsy challenge from behind left Kone writhing in pain, clutching his left leg, and he was eventually stretchered off with an oxygen mask.

Madibo's yellow card was upgraded to red after VAR review, making him the second Qatari sent off after Homam Ahmed's first-half dismissal. Reduced to nine men, Qatar conceded three more goals.

Substitute Saliba, who replaced the injured Kone, scored a free kick and celebrated by holding up Kone's jersey. After the match, a brawl broke out between the teams, requiring intervention from FIFA volunteers.

David said: 'It was tough to focus after Kone's injury. This win is historic for our country.' David's hat-trick was the 56th in men's World Cup history and the second of the 2026 edition.

Source: www.aljazeera.com