Canada finally reached a milestone decades in the making on Thursday, securing its first-ever World Cup victory with a dominant 6-0 win over Qatar.

The night should have belonged entirely to Canadian football history.

Instead, the celebrations at BC Place in Vancouver were tempered by a frightening injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, whose second-half collapse after a dangerous challenge brought a stunned silence to the stadium.

Canada’s commanding Group B performance moved the team closer to finishing at the top of the group, needing only a draw against Switzerland in the final match to claim first place.

A dream start for Les Rouges

Canada entered the match determined to make history, and the response was immediate.

The home crowd, which included Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney supporting the national team, watched as Canada overwhelmed Qatar from the opening stages.

Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute, setting the tone for an attacking display that would continue throughout the match.

Jonathan David then took control of the contest, scoring twice before halftime and putting Canada firmly in command.

The striker’s movement, finishing, and composure proved too much for Qatar’s defense as Canada built a comfortable advantage.

Qatar reduced to nine as match turns

Qatar’s hopes of a comeback became even more difficult after losing players to red cards.

Homam el-Amin was dismissed during the first half, leaving Qatar with 10 men before the break.

The situation worsened early in the second half after another controversial moment.

In the 51st minute, Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo challenged Kone from behind in a reckless tackle that immediately raised concern.

Kone fell to the ground in obvious pain, clutching his left leg as teammates urgently signaled for medical assistance.

The severity of the injury was clear as Canadian players and staff gathered around him.

After a lengthy stoppage, Kone was taken from the field on a stretcher, acknowledging the crowd while receiving oxygen.

Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but a VAR review upgraded the decision to a red card, reducing Qatar to nine players.

Victory continues, but thoughts turn to Kone

With the numerical advantage, Canada continued pressing forward, adding three more goals after the injury.

Nathan Saliba, who replaced the injured Kone, produced one of the night’s most emotional moments.

In the 64th minute, Saliba curled a brilliant free kick into the net to make it 4-0.

Instead of celebrating alone, he immediately ran toward the sideline and lifted a replica of Kone’s Canadian jersey in tribute to his teammate.

It was a gesture that reflected the team’s unity during a difficult moment.

Canada completes historic night with six-goal statement

Substitute Jacob Shaffelburg helped extend Canada’s lead when his powerful effort was deflected into the Qatar goal by defender Mohammad Manai, making it 5-0.

Then came the final touch from David.

Deep into stoppage time, the forward completed his hat-trick, sealing Canada’s biggest statement yet at the tournament.

His three goals, combined with strikes from Larin and Saliba and Qatar’s own goal, completed a memorable 6-0 victory.

A landmark result with mixed emotions

Canada’s first World Cup victory will forever hold a special place in the country’s football history.

But the celebrations will also carry concern as the team awaits further news on Kone’s condition.

For a squad chasing tournament success, the result delivered confidence, momentum, and a place in history.

Yet the image that may last longest from Vancouver is not the scoreboard, it is the sight of teammates rallying around one of their own.