Canada thrash Qatar 6–0 to secure historic first World Cup victory

Tournament co-hosts Canada recorded their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory on Thursday, demolishing Qatar 6–0 in a dominant Group B performance at BC Place Stadium.

The landmark result ended Canada’s six-match losing streak at previous World Cup appearances and moved them to the top of Group B ahead of a decisive clash against Switzerland.

A hat-trick from Jonathan David, alongside goals from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, plus an own goal by Mohammad Manai, completed a memorable night for the hosts.

Historic night overshadowed by injury

The celebrations were tempered by concern for Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone, who suffered a serious left-leg injury after a challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo early in the second half.

Madibo was initially shown a yellow card before it was upgraded to a red following review.

Kone was stretchered off and given oxygen before acknowledging supporters.

Speaking after the match, Jonathan David admitted the injury affected the mood inside the stadium.

“It was a great game even before he got hurt, but after that it became difficult to focus… we just wanted the game to end so we could all be together.”

David added that the result represented a historic moment for Canadian football.

Qatar collapse after two red cards

Qatar’s challenge unraveled after they were reduced to nine men.

Earlier in the contest, Homam el-Amin had already been sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Canada capitalised on their numerical advantage, scoring three additional goals in the second half to strengthen their goal difference.

The Canadians now sit level on four points with Switzerland but remain group leaders.

Switzerland revive campaign

Earlier in Group B action, Switzerland reignited their World Cup hopes with an emphatic 4–1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium.

Johan Manzambi scored twice, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka added goals.

Bosnia remain in danger of elimination after collecting only one point from two matches.

South Africa stay alive

Elsewhere, South Africa kept their qualification hopes alive with a 1–1 draw against Czech Republic.

Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty after Michal Sadilek opened scoring.

Attention now turns to the clash between Mexico and South Korea in what could determine the outcome of Group A.