Before a crowd of 52,497 at BC Place, Canada secured their first-ever victory at a men’s World Cup on Thursday — a dominant 6-0 win over nine-man Qatar that was both a triumph and a tragedy. The celebration, led by a Jonathan David hat-trick, was overshadowed by a horrific leg injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné in the second half.
Jesse Marsch’s side came out flying. Cyle Larin, the hero of the 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opener, opened the scoring in the first half after a scramble from a corner. David doubled the lead with a first-time volley that left goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada with no chance.
“Canada thrash nine-man Qatar 6-0 for first World Cup win but Ismaël Koné suffers horror leg injury.”
Minutes later, Qatar defender Homam Ahmed was sent off for a desperate challenge on Tajon Buchanan. A VAR check confirmed the red card, and Marsch, the former Leeds United manager, celebrated wildly on the touchline. Social media erupted with comparisons to Alan Pardew’s famous dance in the 2016 FA Cup final. “Stench of Alan Pardew off of Jesse Marsch,” one fan posted. Another added: “Jesse Marsch’s celebrations on the sideline are brilliant.” A third wrote: “Jesse Marsch is absolutely loving it!”
With a man advantage, Canada poured forward. David struck again before halftime to make it 3-0. In the second half, Nathan Saliba — who had replaced the injured Koné — scored a stunning free-kick and celebrated by holding his stricken teammate’s jersey aloft. The gesture came after Koné, the former Watford midfielder, had to be stretchered off following a robust challenge that left him in agony. Qatar’s Assim Madibo was sent off and left in tears when he realised the severity of the injury.
Mohammad Manai added to Qatar’s misery with a comical own goal, diverting Jacob Shaffelburg’s shot into his own net. David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, sealing the 6-0 rout.
The victory was a milestone for Canadian football — a program that climbed the Concacaf charts and reached the 2024 Copa América semi-final. But the sight of Koné being carried off left a sombre note. As Saliba held up his jersey, the message was clear: this win came at a cost.