Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as Canada secured their first-ever World Cup victory, thrashing a nine-man Qatar 6-0 on Thursday to boost their knockout stage hopes.
The tournament co-hosts now top Group B with four points from two matches, moving ahead of Switzerland on goal difference. However, their historic night was overshadowed by a serious leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.
Cheered on by a passionate, red-and-white crowd of 55,000—including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Canada attacked right from the kickoff. Head coach Jesse Marsch's decision to start Cyle Larin paid off quickly. In the 16th minute, Larin tapped in a rebound after Qatari goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada parried David’s initial shot.
David doubled the lead 13 minutes later a cross with a powerful volley.
The match swung entirely out of Qatar's reach shortly after. Following a VAR review for a foul on Tajon Buchanan, Homam Ahmed’s yellow card was upgraded to a straight red card reducing Qatar to 10 men. Just before halftime, David bundled home his second goal from close range to give Canada a commanding 3-0 lead.
The second half turned physical. Kone was carried off on a stretcher following a harsh tackle by Assim Madibo. Tempers flared, resulting in a straight red card for Madibo and leaving Qatar with just nine players on the pitch. Fortunately, the 24-year-old Kone was later seen sitting up and waving to the crowd with his left leg in a protective boot.
Substitute Nathan Saliba, who replaced Kone, curled in a free-kick for Canada's fourth goal, celebrating by holding up Kone’s shirt in tribute. Qatar’s misery deepened when Mohammad Mannai deflected the ball into his own net, before David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to seal the 6-0 win.
Coach Jesse Marsch celebrated passionately at the final whistle.
"We wanted to play the kind of football that would electrify the crowd. We wanted to showcase our talent and mentality," Marsch said. Addressing Kone's injury, he added, "Ismael will be fine. We will get him good doctors. Our heart is with him, but that kid has a big future."
Qatar, now sitting at the bottom of the group with one point, will face Bosnia and Herzegovina next in Seattle. Coach Julen Lopetegui acknowledged the massive challenge ahead without his two suspended players.
"There is a big difference between the teams, and the next match will be more difficult," Lopetegui said. "But we are not here because someone gave us a place. We earned it, and we will play and fight until the end."
Canada will look to secure their spot in the Round of 32 when they host second-placed Switzerland in Vancouver on Wednesday.
