Ismael Kone stretchered off as Canada blank Qatar 6-0 in their FIFA World Cup opener

Canada produced a stunning display in their FIFA World Cup opener, crushing Qatar 6-0 in front of an energized crowd at BC Place. However, despite the historic result, celebrations were dampened by a worrying injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who had to be taken off on a stretcher after a dangerous challenge during the second half. The 24-year-old appeared to suffer a serious lower-leg injury after being tackled from behind by Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo. Players from both teams immediately called for medical assistance as Kone remained on the ground in visible pain. Supporters inside the stadium applauded as he was eventually carried off the field after receiving treatment. Following a video review, Madibo was shown a straight red card for the reckless challenge.


Qatar’s disciplinary troubles had already begun earlier in the match. Homam Ahmed was dismissed in the first half after his foul on Tajon Buchanan, reducing the team to ten men before Madibo’s sending-off left them with just nine players for the remainder of the contest. Canada dominated from the opening stages and wasted little time taking control. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada punched away a Jonathan David effort, only for the rebound to fall kindly to him. Larin calmly finished and celebrated in front of the roaring crowd.


Jonathan David then took center stage. He doubled Canada’s lead with a powerful volley in the 29th minute before adding another in first-half stoppage time after reacting quickly to a rebound in front of goal.


Nathan Saliba, who entered the game as Kone’s replacement, delivered an emotional moment by lifting Kone’s jersey after scoring Canada’s fourth goal in the 64th minute. Qatar’s misery continued when Mohamed Manai accidentally turned the ball into his own net, while David completed his treble deep into stoppage time.

The victory represented a major milestone for Canada, marking the nation’s first-ever World Cup win and significantly boosting its chances of reaching the knockout rounds. Canada also dramatically improved its overall World Cup scoring record, tripling its previous goal tally in tournament history.

Among the 52,497 spectators were Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, both witnessing a memorable night for Canadian football, though concern over Kone’s injury remains a major storyline moving forward.