VANCOUVER — Canada recorded its first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup victory with a 6-0 win over Qatar in a Group B match at BC Place on Thursday, a result that moved the tournament co-hosts to the top of their group and kept them on course for a place in the knockout stage.
The victory marked a historic milestone for Canada, which had entered the 2026 tournament without a win in six previous World Cup matches across appearances in 1986 and 2022, according to FIFA records. The Canadian team had earned its first World Cup point earlier in the tournament and followed it with its first victory on home soil.
Forward Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also found the net. Canada’s tally was increased by a Qatar own goal as the hosts dominated the match before a capacity crowd in Vancouver. Qatar finished the game with nine players after two dismissals, according to match reports.
The result was celebrated by Canadian supporters but was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné. Koné suffered a broken leg following a challenge by Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo during the second half and was taken from the field on a stretcher before undergoing surgery, according to Reuters and the Qatar Football Association.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s historic,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said after the match, according to media reports, referring to the country’s first World Cup win. Marsch also expressed concern for Koné, whose injury became the central focus of post-match discussions.
Canada entered the tournament as one of three host nations and had faced pressure to improve on its previous World Cup performances. FIFA’s pre-tournament team profile noted that the Canadians were seeking their first victory at the finals after losses in all six prior World Cup matches.
Qatar, meanwhile, was left needing a positive result in its remaining group fixture to keep alive any hopes of advancing. The Qatar Football Association later issued a public message wishing Koné a speedy recovery.
The win placed Canada in a strong position in Group B ahead of its final group-stage match against Switzerland. Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to the round of 32. Canada’s six-goal victory also significantly improved its goal difference entering the final round of group matches.
As of Saturday, Canada led Group B and required only a positive result in its next match to strengthen its position before the knockout phase, while officials continued monitoring Koné’s recovery.
