Jonathan David scores three as Canada move to the brink of the knockout stage with a dominant 6-0 victory….reports Asian Lite News Desk.
Jonathan David produced a memorable hat-trick as co-hosts Canada cruised to a 6-0 victory over Qatar in a one-sided FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B clash at BC Place on Friday (IST), moving to the brink of the knockout stage.
Canada’s first ever World Cup win on home soil lifted them to four points from two matches, leaving them needing only a draw against Switzerland in their final group game to secure top spot and a place in the round of 32.
David starred with three goals, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also found the net as Qatar’s hopes collapsed following two red cards and a second half implosion.
The hosts took control early when Larin reacted quickest to convert a rebound in the 16th minute. David doubled the advantage 13 minutes later with a thunderous volley that flew past goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, sending the Vancouver crowd into celebration.
Canada appeared firmly in command, but the mood inside the stadium changed shortly after the break when midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a serious injury following a reckless challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.
Kone was left in visible pain clutching his left leg before being stretchered off the pitch. Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but a VAR review upgraded the punishment to a red card, reducing Qatar’s numbers and further tilting the contest in Canada’s favour.
Nathan Saliba, who had replaced the injured Kone, made an immediate impact. The midfielder curled a superb free kick into the net in the 64th minute to make it 4-0 before dedicating the goal to Kone by holding up a replica of his teammate’s shirt.
Qatar’s night worsened as they were reduced to nine men, allowing Canada to pile on the pressure. Substitute Jacob Shaffelburg’s fierce effort forced an own goal from defender Mohammad Manai as the lead stretched to five.
David then completed his hat-trick deep into stoppage time, capping a dominant performance from the Canadians and becoming the first player to score a World Cup hat-trick on home soil since Geoff Hurst achieved the feat for England in 1966.
The emphatic victory puts Canada in a commanding position heading into their final Group B encounter against Switzerland, while Qatar’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage hang by a thread.
