By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Canada recorded their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory after thrashing nine-man Qatar 6-0 on Thursday at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba and an own goal by Mohammad Manai completed the rout. The emphatic win moved Canada to the top of Group B on goal difference and left them needing only a draw against Switzerland on June 24 to finish first.
Canada Secure Historic World Cup Victory
Canada entered the match seeking their first World Cup win after losing all six previous tournament matches in 1986 and 2022.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Jesse Marsch’s side delivered a commanding performance from start to finish.
Jonathan David led the attack with three goals. Larin and Saliba also found the net, while Qatar defender Mohammad Manai added an unfortunate own goal.
The victory lifted Canada level with Switzerland on four points. However, Canada’s superior goal difference means a draw against the Swiss will secure top spot in Group B.
Qatar Finish With Nine Players
Qatar’s hopes faded after two red cards reduced them to nine men.
Homam El-Amin received the first dismissal during the opening half for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Later, Assim Madibo brought down Ismael Kone with a reckless tackle in the 51st minute. Although the referee initially produced a yellow card, VAR upgraded it to a red.
Kone suffered a serious left-leg injury and left the field on a stretcher while receiving oxygen. He acknowledged supporters as medical staff carried him away.
“It was a great game even before Kone got hurt,” David said.
“After he got hurt, it became difficult to focus. We simply wanted the game to end so we could all be together.”
Switzerland Beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1
Switzerland revived their World Cup campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Johan Manzambi scored twice, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka added late goals to seal the comfortable win.
The result moved Switzerland level with Canada on four points. The two teams will meet in Vancouver on June 24 to determine the Group B winners.
Bosnia-Herzegovina remain on one point after two matches. The defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
South Africa Keep Qualification Hopes Alive
South Africa earned a valuable 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta to stay in contention in Group A.
Michal Sadilek gave the Czech Republic the lead before Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to rescue a point for South Africa.
Both teams now have one point and must likely win their final group matches to progress to the knockout stage.
South Korea Face Mexico in Group Decider
Meanwhile, South Korea and Mexico prepared for a crucial Group A clash in Guadalajara after both won their opening matches.
The encounter attracted attention after Mexican authorities intercepted a drone hovering above South Korea’s training session earlier in the week.
The winner will take a significant step toward qualification for the knockout rounds.
