Canadian Jonathan David playing. | Image source: Reuters
Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as Canada beat nine-man Qatar 6-0 on Thursday (June 18, 2026) to secure its first World Cup finals win and lift the co-hosts ahead of Switzerland at the top of Group B.
However, the win came at a price, as Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone was taken off the field with a red inflatable boot on his left leg after a challenge from Assem Madibo early in the second half, resulting in a red card and Qatar being reduced to nine players. Kyle Larin pounced on a rebound to open the scoring before David fired a shot straight into the net and then converted from close range. Nathan Saliba put the game out of reach when he converted a direct free-kick shortly after entering the game. For Kone, Mohamed Al Mannai scored an own goal that made it 5-0, and David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time with a left-footed shot.
Qatar were reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute when Hammam Ahmed was sent off for a foul on Tajon Buchanan that had originally resulted in a penalty kick until a review decided the challenge was just outside the penalty area. Canada joined Switzerland with four points through two matches, but leads Group B on goal difference. Canada will conclude the group stage by facing Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver, while Qatar will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle.
Published – 19 June 2026 at 05:47 AM IST
