Canada's historic 6-0 World Cup win in Vancouver darkened by Ismael Kone leg injury

VANCOUVER, Canada (AFP) — Canada recorded a commanding 6-0 victory over Qatar on Thursday, securing their maiden World Cup win in a Group B fixture at Vancouver's BC Place that was overshadowed by a grave injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

Jonathan David finished with three goals, Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba added one each, and Qatar also put the ball into their own net as the Canadians delivered a landmark result. With one group match remaining, a draw against Switzerland would be enough for Canada to finish first in Group B.

Prime Minister Mark Carney was among those celebrating in the stands as he backed Les Rouges, yet the mood turned sharply in the 51st minute when Kone went down in distress. Assim Madibo caught the Italy-based player with a reckless challenge from behind, leaving Kone on the ground in severe pain while gripping his left leg.

The scale of the problem was clear at once, with Canadian players urgently summoning medical staff from the touchline. Kone was later carried from the field on a stretcher, acknowledging supporters while breathing through an oxygen mask.

Madibo had first been booked for the foul, but video review led officials to upgrade the punishment to a red card. He became the second Qatar player dismissed after Homam el-Amin was sent off in the opening half, reducing the Gulf side to nine men.

Canada capitalised on their numerical edge by adding three further goals. Saliba, who had come on for the injured Kone, bent a free-kick into the net in the 64th minute to make it 4-0. He marked the strike by running to the sideline and raising a replica of Kone's Canada shirt.

Substitute Jacob Shaffelburg then forced the fifth when his powerful effort was deflected into the Qatar goal by defender Mohammad Manai. David, who had already scored twice after Larin's 16th-minute opener, wrapped up his hat-trick in the second minute of added time to seal the comprehensive win.