KUCHING: Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as Canada stormed to the first men’s World Cup victory in their history, crushing nine-man Qatar 6–0 to move top of Group B on Thursday.
Backed by a partisan home crowd at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, the hosts produced a ruthless display to announce themselves on football’s biggest stage, although the celebrations were tempered by a serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné.
Canada took control in the 17th minute when Cyle Larin reacted quickest to convert after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada spilled David’s initial effort.
David doubled the advantage 13 minutes later with a superb volley before adding his second in first-half stoppage time after pouncing on another rebound.
Qatar’s hopes of a comeback suffered a major blow before the interval when Homam Al Amin was sent off, leaving the visitors with 10 men.
The evening took a worrying turn shortly after the restart.
Koné was left in agony following a heavy challenge from Assim Madibo, with teammates immediately calling for medical assistance as the midfielder clutched his left leg.
The Canadian international was eventually stretchered off the pitch to a standing ovation from the home supporters.
Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but VAR upgraded the punishment to a red, reducing Qatar to nine men.
Canada capitalised on the numerical advantage.
Nathan Saliba, who had replaced the injured Koné, curled home a superb free-kick in the 64th minute before holding up a replica of his teammate’s shirt in an emotional tribute.
Qatar’s miserable night worsened when Mohammad Al Mannai turned the ball into his own net to make it 5–0.
David then completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, spinning sharply inside the penalty area before calmly slotting home Canada’s sixth goal of the evening.
The result lifted Canada to the top of Group B and marked a breakthrough moment for a nation that had waited decades to celebrate a men’s World Cup victory.
Yet amid the celebrations, concern remained for Koné, whose injury cast a shadow over an otherwise unforgettable night for the tournament hosts.
