Canada are on the verge of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds after dismantling Qatar 6-0 at BC Place in Vancouver — a performance headlined by Jonathan David's hat-trick but overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

Canada in command from the first whistle

Jesse Marsch's side controlled the match entirely, taking a 3-0 lead into half-time. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute, tapping home after the goalkeeper spilled David's shot into his path. David doubled the advantage in the 29th minute with a stunning volley from inside the area.

Qatar's task became near-impossible before the break when defender Homam El Amin was dismissed for a last-man foul on Tajon Buchanan in the 32nd minute. VAR upgraded the initial yellow card to a red after confirming the infringement occurred just outside the box rather than within it — with the original penalty decision overturned to a free-kick. David added a third just before half-time, poking home after Larin's header was well saved.

Kone's injury casts a shadow over the victory

The second half began in deeply concerning circumstances. In the 51st minute, Kone was felled by a challenge from Assim Madibo that left Canada's players visibly distressed. The midfielder was stretchered off the pitch with oxygen, and VAR upgraded Madibo's yellow card to a red — reducing Qatar to nine men.

Kone's replacement, Nathan Saliba, responded in extraordinary fashion — curling a direct free-kick into the net in the 64th minute to make it 4-0, then lifting Kone's shirt in an emotional celebration. Qatar's misery deepened in the 75th minute when Mohammad Al Mannai diverted Jacob Shaffelburg's wayward shot into his own net for a comical own goal. David sealed his hat-trick in the 90+2' with Qatar's defence offering little resistance.

What comes next for Canada

Canada now need only avoid defeat against Switzerland in their final Group B fixture to secure top spot — a result that would guarantee them a round-of-32 home match in front of their own supporters. The mood in camp, however, will be tempered by anxiety over Kone's condition following what appeared to be a severe leg injury.