It was another historic day for Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Canadians beat Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver on Thursday to pick up the first win at a men’s World Cup in program history.
Canada pressed right from the opening whistle, with Cyle Larin opening the scoring in the 16th minute.
Jonathan David, who was subbed off in Canada’s opener, rebounded in a big way on Thursday with a first-half brace to put his side up 3-0 after the opening 45 minutes.
Nathan Saliba scored a brilliant free-kick goal in the second half to put the Canadians up 4-0, then a Qatar own goal put Canada up 5-0.
David would cap off the historic day by completing his hat trick in extra time to seal the 6-0 win. It is the only hat trick in Canadian men’s history at a World Cup.
The only negative for Canada on Thursday was what appeared to be a gruesome injury to midfielder Ismael Kone. Assim Mabido took down Kone with a late tackle early in the second half and received a red card on the play — Qatar’s second send-off of the contest.
Kone was transported to the hospital with his leg stabilized, per Canada Soccer.
With the six-goal win, Canada can secure top spot in Group B with either a win or a draw against Switzerland in its final game of group play.
The Canadians will face the Swiss on Wednesday back in Vancouver.