After failing to score any points in both the 1986 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, and beginning the current tournament with a draw, Canada finally claimed victory.
This Thursday (18), they decisively defeated Qatar with a stunning 6-0 win at BC Place in Toronto, marking the largest margin of victory for a Concacaf team in World Cup history.
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However, the achievement was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné.
Goals from Larin (16′) and Jonathan David (29′ and 48′) gave Canada a comfortable lead by halftime, while Qatar’s Al Amim was sent off in the 33rd minute.
The incident involving Koné and Qatari player Assim Omer Madibo occurred in the 50th minute, resulting in Koné sustaining a fracture in his left leg.
The Canadian team was visibly upset with Madibo, who appeared stunned by the challenge’s outcome.
Initially shown a yellow card, Madibo was later sent off by referee Cristián Garay.
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Koné was seen leaving the field with his leg in a brace on his way to the hospital, expressing gratitude to the fans for their support.
📸 Emilee Chinn – 2026 Getty Images
Before play resumed, the Canadian players huddled together, visibly affected by the incident.
With a two-man advantage, Canada continued to dominate, and Nathan Saliba netted the first free-kick goal of the tournament in the 64th minute.
This goal served as a tribute to Koné.
📸 Fran Santiago – 2026 Getty Images
The fifth goal came from Shaffelburg’s effort, which was inadvertently turned into an own goal by Al Mannai in the 75th minute.
Jonathan David, who is Canada’s all-time leading scorer, capped off the match with his hat trick in the 92nd minute, marking yet another World Cup hat trick, following Messi‘s remarkable feat.
📊 Standings
Canada now shares four points with Switzerland, having taken the top position in the group due to a superior goal difference (six to three).
Qatar remains in fourth place with one point, equal to Bosnia.
The final round will take place next Wednesday (24), featuring Switzerland vs Canada and Bosnia vs Qatar.
A draw will be sufficient for the hosts to secure first place.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.