Historic Night in Vancouver as Canada Thrashes Qatar 6-0
Photo: REUTERS
Jonathan David’s hat-trick fueled a historic Canadian surge as the 2026 co-hosts demolished a nine-man Qatari squad 6-0 at BC Place Vancouver.
This dominant performance marks the first-ever FIFA World Cup victory for Canada, moving the team to four points and placing them on the verge of qualifying for the knockout round.
Jesse Marsch, Canada’s coach, challenged the players and the Vancouver crowd to make Qatar feel their presence, and the team responded with immediate intensity.
Cyle Larin ignited the scoring in the 16th minute, following up his goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina by turning a rebound into the back of the net. David then doubled the lead in the 29th minute, rifling a volley past goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.
The match slipped further away from Julen Lopetegui’s side when Homam Ahmed received a red card for a tackle on Tajon Buchanan at the half-hour mark. David immediately punished the shorthanded visitors, stabbing home his second goal in the third minute of first-half stoppage time.
Qatar’s disciplinary issues continued in the second half when Assim Madibo earned a red card for a challenge on Ismael Kone.
Facing only nine men, Canada intensified the pressure. Nathan Saliba successfully converted a free-kick in the 64th minute, followed by an own goal from Mohamed Manai in the 75th minute.
David completed his historic night in the 92nd minute, netting a final strike to secure his hat-trick and finalize a night that Canadian soccer fans will never forget.
