Jonathan David (R) of Canada celebrates his goal during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
VANCOUVER, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Canada claimed its first World Cup victory here on Thursday, thrashing nine-man Qatar 6-0 in the second round of Group B as Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, though the co-host also lost Ismael Kone to injury.
After six consecutive defeats at the tournament, the co-host ended its losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opening round, while Qatar also drew 1-1 with Switzerland.
Canada dominated from the start and broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, when David's effort was parried into the path of Cyle Larin, who fired in the rebound from close range for his second goal in as many games.
The home side doubled its lead in the 29th minute when Tajon Buchanan's strike was blocked and the ball fell kindly for David, who hit a spectacular volley.
Qatar's situation went from bad to worse minutes later as Homam Ahmed was sent off for a foul on Buchanan, before David completed his brace on the stroke of halftime.
Canada maintained its pressure after the break, while Qatar struggled to put together a meaningful attack.
The match was marred in the 51st minute when Assim Madibo lost his temper and committed a reckless foul from behind on Kone. The Sassuolo midfielder appeared to suffer a serious leg injury and was stretchered off after lengthy treatment, while Madibo was sent off.
Canada added another in the 64th minute through Nathan Saliba's stunning free kick, before Mohamed Manais' poor clearance resulted in an own goal.
Les Rouges showed no mercy in stoppage time as David completed his hat-trick to round out the scoring.
With four points from two group matches, Canada will next face Switzerland, which beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 earlier on Thursday. ■
Nathan Saliba of Canada holds up the shirt of injured player Ismael Kone as he celebrates his goal during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Tani Oluwaseyi (R, front) of Canada shoots during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Tani Oluwaseyi (front) of Canada shoots during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Ismael Kone of Canada is seen stretchered off the field after an injury during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Richie Laryea (2nd R) of Canada argues with referee Cristian Garay (4th R) during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Jonathan David (R) of Canada celebrates his goal during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Alistair Johnston (1st R) of Canada fights for a head ball during a group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Ismael Kone (L) of Canada vies with Assim Madibo (behind) of Qatar during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Derek Cornelius (R) of Canada celebrates a goal during a group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Issa Laye (top) of Qatar fights for a head ball during a group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Tajon Buchanan (L) of Canada vies with Sultan Albrake of Qatar during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Nathan Saliba (2nd R) of Canada celebrates his goal with teammates during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Sultan Albrake (L front) of Qatar competes with Nathan Saliba (R) of Canada during a group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Richie Laryea (3rd R) of Canada argues with players of Qatar during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Assim Madibo (L) of Qatar reacts after he injured Canada's Ismael Kone during the group B match between Canada and Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
