Team Canada’s historic performance versus Qatar at the 2026 World Cup will be remembered for both the outstanding goal scoring that led to a 6-0 win – the largest ever for a CONCACAF team – and the most successful game to be played in World Cup for the country. Canada is now the top of Group B at the World Cup, which includes Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar.
Canada got off to a rocking start with a 3-0 lead by the end of the first half, thanks to goals from Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. Playing in front of their home crowd in Vancouver, Canada was well on its way to the men’s program’s first ever World Cup win, when tragedy struck.
But, the historic win wasn’t without drama — the team lost Ismaël Koné to a gruesome leg injury, which may have ramifications for the club as they advance.
To start the second half, Qatar picked up its second red card as Assim Madibo tackled Koné from behind. A live angle showed Koné in disbelief as his left leg appeared to be snapped; he was stretched off the field in front of an emotional crowd at BC Place.
Nathan Saliba would come into Koné’s place. Also immediately, Saliba scored a goal off a free kick, providing an opportunity to honour his injured teammate. In the 75th minute, Qatar would also go on to concede an own-goal, and then for good measure, David scored another one in extra-time for a hat trick.
With only one more group stage match to play — against Switzerland on June 24 — it’s becomes highly unlikely Canada won’t advance to the Round of 32, which would also be another historic first for the men’s program.
With the historic end to Canada’s match, you can follow along below with Yahoo Canada’s live blog coverage for all the latest highlights, on-the-ground updates, news and analysis, as we bring you all the action.
Live36 updates