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At full strength, Canada could go toe-to-toe with any opponent in the Americas. After steady climbs up the Concacaf charts and a credible run to the 2024 Copa América semi-final, all hope was that a talented squad could find their stride at a home World Cup. That belief came to life on June 18, 2026, as Jesse Marsch’s side played a dominant 6-0 win over Qatar before a crowd of 52,497 for the country’s first-ever victory at a men’s World Cup. Jonathan David’s hat-trick led the celebration of the program’s progress, marred only by a horror leg injury suffered by midfielder Ismaël Koné in the second half.
The Vancouver crowd opened with a rousing rendition of "O Canada", forging the proverbial 12th-man atmosphere that Marsch ordered up entering the match. Their team wasted no time in keeping their block of possession in the Qatar half, eager to ratchet up the pressure from the very start. For the first eight minutes, save for one break, Canada kept Qatar pinned back. Only after an Akram Afif scamper and a drawn foul did the visitors find some semblance of balance.
In their World Cup opener, a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada sent in nine corners without posing much of a scoring threat. Drawing three in the opening half-hour against Qatar, one proved vital to the breakthrough. Ali Ahmed’s service caromed around as Qatar failed to clear its lines. The ball fell to Cyle Larin, the hero in the opener, who kicked off a raucous celebration. After the first-half hydration break, Canada got back to work. Alistair Johnston played a ball up the channel to Tajon Buchanan, who fashioned a shot that was blocked. The ball took a curious loop into David’s patch of pitch. The Juventus forward connected on a volley before the ball hit the ground, leaving goalkeeping Mahmoud Abunada with no chance to stop it.
Things got worse for Qatar. Minutes after David’s goal, Canada played another ball beyond the defense into Buchanan, who was taken down by a desperate Homam Ahmed. A VAR check confirmed Ahmed’s foul, resulting in a straight red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. Canada continued to seize opportunities. In the 38th minute, with Abunada committed to a dive at his far post, the ball found Buchanan for a potential poacher’s goal, only for Akram Afif to clear it off the line.
The loyalists were rewarded just before halftime. Buchanan played a far-post cross from the right to Larin, whose header was saved. The ball hung in the air long enough for David to get a touch and send it into goal. Once the second half began, Canada pushed into the attacking third and pinned Qatar down. In the 51st minute, Koné turned his back to help send a pass to his defensive line when he was clattered into by Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo.
The initial yellow card against Madibo led to a red card after a video review confirmed the severity of his foul, sending Qatar to nine players. Koné was visibly injured, resulting in a stretcher being called. The crowd showed overwhelming support, chanting his name as he waved to fans in attendance.
Canada resumed domination after Koné’s departure. Nathan Saliba, who took Koné’s place, scored a direct free kick in the 64th minute, pointing to the tunnel where Koné had exited, forming a No 8 with his hands in tribute to his teammate.
Source : theguardian.com.