Canada recorded the first FIFA World Cup win in its history with a commanding 6-0 victory over Qatar at BC Place Stadium on Thursday, powered by a Jonathan David hat-trick.
David ended a four-match World Cup scoring drought with two first-half goals and a late third to lead the Canadians to a memorable triumph before a sold-out crowd of 52,497. Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba and Jacob Shaffelburg also found the net as Canada boosted its hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute after converting a rebound from David’s saved effort, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.
David doubled the lead 13 minutes later with a curling strike from outside the box before adding his second in first-half stoppage time after another save from Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.
Canada dominated throughout, outshooting Qatar 30-2 and limiting the visitors to no shots on target. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau enjoyed a comfortable evening as he secured a clean sheet.
The result was overshadowed by an injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné, who was stretchered off in the 51st minute with a left leg injury.
Qatar’s problems deepened when midfielder Assim Madibo was sent off, leaving the side with nine men after defender Homen Ahmed had earlier received a red card following a VAR review.
Saliba extended Canada’s advantage in the 63rd minute with a free-kick effort that struck the post before crossing the line. Shaffelburg made it 5-0 in the 75th minute when his shot deflected off a defender and into the net.
David completed his hat-trick deep into stoppage time to cap a historic night for the hosts, who had managed just one draw and six defeats in their previous seven World Cup matches.
Earlier in the day, Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, leaving Canada and Switzerland level on four points at the top of Group B. Canada will face Switzerland next Wednesday in Vancouver in a match that could determine the group winner.
The victory marked a major milestone for a Canadian side that failed to score during its debut World Cup appearance in 1986 and managed only one goal at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
