Canada records first World Cup win, beats Qatar 6-0 as Kone suffers suspected leg injury
Canada secured its first-ever World Cup victory with a 6-0 thrashing of nine-man Qatar in Group B, ending a streak of six previous World Cup losses. Jonathan David completed a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba and an own goal by Mohammad Manai added the other scores. The celebration was cut short when midfielder Ismael Kone was stretchered off in the 51st minute after a challenge by Qatar's Assim Madibo (red card); coach Jesse Marsch said Kone is in hospital with a suspected broken leg awaiting surgery. The match was reported to have taken place at Toronto Stadium, though later notes mention Vancouver's BC Place stadium, indicating a discrepancy in the venue.
For Nigerian football fans following the 2026 tournament, the result reshapes Group B dynamics: Canada now needs only a point against Switzerland to finish top of the group. Earlier, Switzerland bounced back with a 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, putting them in contention for a knockout‑stage berth, while South Africa kept its slim hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
These outcomes affect qualification scenarios across groups, though Nigeria is not directly involved. Fans can monitor the remaining Group B fixtures to see how the race for the top two spots unfolds.