World Cup 2026: Canada 6-0 Qatar - Jonathan David scores treble but Ismael Kone suffers bad injury as Jesse Marsch's side sit on brink of knockouts
Match report as Canada thrashed Qatar 6-0 in World Cup Group B; Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, scoring two first half goals after Cyle Larin's opener; Homam El Amin and Assim Madibo were both sent off - the latter for causing a serious injury to Ismael Kone; Nathan Saliba also scored
Friday 19 June 2026 02:04, UK
Canada are on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup knockout stages after a Jonathan David treble inspired a 6-0 win over woeful nine-man Qatar - in a result marred by a serious leg injury for midfielder Ismael Kone.
Jesse Marsch's side were dominant from start to finish in Vancouver - leading 3-0 at half-time thanks to David's double and Cyle Larin's opener. Qatar defender Homam El Amin was sent off for a last-man challenge on Tajon Buchanan in that half.
But the most pressing concern was for Canada midfielder Kone - who was stretchered off with oxygen after a challenge that left everyone watching distressed. VAR upgraded Assim Madibo's yellow card to a red, probably after seeing everyone's reaction to the tackle.
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Kone's replacement Nathan Saliba then curled in a free-kick to make it 4-0, and lifted his stricken team-mate's shirt up in his celebration. Mohammad Al Mannai's comical own goal made it worse for Qatar, as David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time.
The result means Canada need to avoid defeat against Switzerland in the final group game to claim top spot in Group B - which would see them play their round of 32 game in front of a home crowd.
The key moments from Vancouver...
16: GOAL! Vancouver explodes with noise as Larin taps home after David's shot is spilled into his path
29: GOAL! David makes it 2-0 with a stunning volley from inside the area
32: RED CARD! Canada are given a penalty for El Amin's trip on Buchanan, but VAR awards a free-kick as it is outside the box. El Amin's booking is upgraded to a red.
45+3: GOAL! After more Canada pressure, David pokes home a third after Larin's header is well-saved.
51: RED CARD! Canada midfielder Kone suffers a serious injury after a foul by Modibo, needing to leave the pitch with oxygen and Canada players looking distressed. The Qatar player is sent off after VAR upgraded the yellow card.
64: GOAL! Kone's replacement Saliba scores a direct free-kick and holds up Kone's shirt in his celebration.
75: GOAL! Al Mannai scores a comical own goal by diverting Jacob Shaffelburg's off target shot into his own net.
90+2: GOAL! David completes his hat-trick amid more woeful defending.
Analysis: Are Canada one result away from being dark horses?
Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:
This was not completely a case of Canada being good. In truth, Qatar were shambolic from start to finish.
Julen Lopetegui's side only had two shots - one of which came after 45 seconds. They had no shots on target, and just 15 touches of the ball in the Canada half in the second period. It was barely a test for Canada.
But what Jesse Marsch's side have done is instil belief into this squad. A first ever World Cup win will breathe confidence into his team. No one will feel it more than Jonathan David.
The Canada No 10 has endured a difficult season, having flopped at Juventus - and he looked poor in the draw against Bosnia. This treble is a reminder of the striker who ripped through Ligue 1's defences while at Lille.
Cyle Larin seems like his perfect strike partner - both are a handful in the penalty area. Tajon Buchanan was player of the match despite not scoring, forming a solid partnership with Alistair Johnston on the right wing.
And if Canada can back this up with any sort of result against Switzerland, can they enter the dark horses category in the knockout stages?
A round of 32 against Canada, in Canada is not an attractive proposition....
In pictures: Horror as Kone suffers serious leg injury
Marsch reacts to Kone injury
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch:
"Ismael is such a great kid. He's so imperfect but that's part of why you love him. He can do great things, things that nobody else can do. And then the next moment he loses concentration for a second. He really embodies a lot of what the team is.
"Against Bosnia he was our best player, he was the one who wanted the ball, wanted to get going and wasn't afraid.
"It's a huge loss for us. He'll be fine. We'll get him to the doctors, we'll get him back. Our heart is with him. That kid has got a big future."
