After failing to earn any points in 1986 and 2022 and opening the current FIFA World Cup with a draw, Canada finally won.
They thrashed Qatar 6-0 with ease at BC Place in Toronto this Thursday (18). The biggest win ever by a Concacaf national team at a World Cup.
But the win took a back seat because of the serious injury suffered by No. 8 Ismaël Koné.
Larin (16′) and Jonathan David (29′ and 48′) had already given Canada a huge lead before halftime. And Qatar also had Al Amim sent off in the 33rd minute.
Then came the challenge between Koné and Qatari player Assim Omer Madibo in the 50th minute, early in the second half.
It ended with a fracture in the Sassuolo player’s left leg.
All the other Canada players were furious with Madibo, who was left stunned when he realized the outcome of the challenge.
He was initially shown a yellow and was then sent off by referee Cristián Garay.
Koné left the pitch with his leg immobilized on the way to a hospital, thanking the fans for their support.
📸 Emilee Chinn – 2026 Getty Images
There was a brief huddle among the Canada players before play resumed – with many visibly emotional.
With a two-man advantage, the expected rout came after Nathan Saliba scored the first free-kick goal of this World Cup (64′).
Complete with a tribute to Koné.
📸 Fran Santiago – 2026 Getty Images
The fifth came after Shaffelburg’s attempt, which Al Mannai tried to clear but turned into his own net (75′).
And the tennis scoreline came thanks to Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time top scorer.
The Juventus striker completed his hat-trick in the 92nd minute. Another World Cup hat-trick after Messi’s.
📊 Standings
Canada moved level on four points with Switzerland.
And took top spot thanks to a better goal difference (six to three).
Qatar, meanwhile, remain on one point – the same as Bosnia. But in fourth place.
The final round will be next Wednesday (24), with Switzerland vs Canada and Bosnia vs Qatar.
A draw will be enough for the hosts to secure first place.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
