Photo: FIFA World Cup

By Shawn De Guzman

Canada cruised to a commanding 6–0 victory over Qatar to seize the lead in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B standings at BC Place  Vancouver on Friday (PH time).

Jonathan David scored a hat-trick in a match defined by goals, a serious injury, and two red cards for the visitors.

Canada took control in the 23rd minute when David opened the scoring, before doubling the lead in the 31st minute with a composed finish. Cyle Larin made it 3–0 in first-half stoppage time (45+2), effectively putting the game out of reach.

Qatar’s discipline collapsed before halftime when Homam Ahmed was sent off in the 41st minute for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity after bringing down a Canadian attacker on a breakaway.

Bad came to worst for the Asian team as Assim Madibo was initially booked for a reckless challenge on Ismaël Koné at the 51st minute mark, but VAR upgraded the decision to a straight red card after review. 

Koné suffered a serious leg injury and had to be stretchered off the pitch

With Qatar down to nine men, Canada added more goals: Nathan Saliba made it 4–0 in the 56th minute, David completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute, and an own goal in the 78th minute completed the 6–0 scoreline.

Canada now sit in a strong position in Group B, while Qatar face a difficult path forward after a heavy defeat marked by disciplinary issues.