Advertisement

Jonathan David’s hat trick propels Canada to 1st World Cup win, 6-0 over Qatar

Click to play video: 'Canada wins 1st-ever World Cup match in 6-0 victory against Qatar'
Canada wins 1st-ever World Cup match in 6-0 victory against Qatar
WATCH: In its second matchup of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada made history with its first-ever tournament win – scoring a whopping 6-0 victory over Qatar. This victory significantly improves Canada's chances of advancing to the second round of the cup.

Jonathan David scored three goals and Canada won its first 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup match while all but securing a spot in the knockout round with a 6-0 victory over Qatar on Thursday at BC Place in Vancouver.

Qatar was reduced to nine players because of red cards in the chaotic match. Assim Madibo was handed a red early in the second half after a tackle on Ismaël Koné, who was stretched off with a serious injury to his lower left leg. Homan Ahmed was sent off in the first half for a challenge on Tajon Buchanan.

Click to play video: 'Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone’s surgery a success, but will sit out remainder of World Cup'
Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone’s surgery a success, but will sit out remainder of World Cup
Canada’s Jonathan David, left, and Stephen Eustaquio celebrate their team’s win in the World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

With the outburst of scoring, Canada tripled its overall World Cup goal total. Cyle Larin scored in the Canadians’ opening draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Alphonso Davies scored four years ago in a loss to Croatia in Qatar, where Canada also got on the board with an own goal by Morocco. The Canadians were shut out three times in the 1986 World Cup.

Story continues below advertisement
Click to play video: 'Canadians celebrate historic FIFA win, injured Koné thanks fans'
Canadians celebrate historic FIFA win, injured Koné thanks fans
Canada’s Jonathan David (right) celebrates his goal against Qatar with Stephen Eustaquio (7) during the first half of a World Cup Group B soccer match, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was among the 52,497 fans at BC Place after missing the game in Toronto last week because of the G7 summit in France. He sat with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, second from right, and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, attend the World Cup Group B soccer match between Canada and Qatar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Click to play video: 'World Cup: Canada in driver’s seat to win Group B, but will it stick?'
World Cup: Canada in driver’s seat to win Group B, but will it stick?

Larin scored his second goal of the tournament on a rebound in the 16th minute. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada punched away David’s volley but it fell to Larin, who pointed to his ears in celebration as the red-clad crowd roared.

Story continues below advertisement

David doubled the lead with a right-footed volley in the 29th, for his first goal in the run of play in more than a year.

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Ahmed was sent off with a red card in the 33rd. The official initially pointed to the penalty spot, but after video review Canada was given a free kick just outside the box and the initial yellow card handed to Ahmed was changed to red.

Click to play video: 'FIFA World Cup frenzy in Vancouver'
FIFA World Cup frenzy in Vancouver

Canada made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time when David scored in a scramble in front of the net off a shot that caromed off the crossbar. Qatari players stood with their hands on their hips in frustration while Canada celebrated.

Canada’s players surrounded Koné in concern when he suffered the scary-looking injury early in the second half, and Madibo was clearly distraught before he was ejected.

Story continues below advertisement
Canada’s Ismael Kone, center, is carried off of the field after receiving medical attention during the World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Canada’s Nathan Saliba holds up the jersey of Ismael Kone after scoring his side’s fourth goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Nathan Saliba, who came in as a substitute for Koné, scored on a free kick in the 64th to make it 4-0. Mohamed Manai deflected a shot past his goalkeeper for an own goal in the 75th.

David completed the hat trick in stoppage time, joining Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the only players with three goals in a match in this World Cup.

Story continues below advertisement

Canada captain Alphonso Davies was available after he missed the opener while recovering from a hamstring injury. Moïse Bombito was also available after sitting out the first game, but neither player saw action.

Click to play video: 'World Cup: Canada faces Qatar at B.C. Place'
World Cup: Canada faces Qatar at B.C. Place

Qatar scored a stoppage-time goal to earn a surprising 1-1 draw with Group B favorite Switzerland in its opener. The Persian Gulf country is still looking for its first World Cup win after losing all of its group matches four years ago as the host.

Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 earlier in the day in Group B.

–with files from The Associated Press

Story continues below advertisement

 

Sponsored content

AdChoices