Ismael Kone suffers serious injury at World Cup 2026 as David scores hat-trick in Canada rout
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 19.06.26. | 03:12
Jonathan David silenced any lingering doubts about his form by scoring a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also found the back of the net.
Canada moved to the brink of the World Cup knockout stages with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Qatar at BC Place on Friday morning, but a serious injury to Ismael Kone cast a shadow over an otherwise memorable night for the tournament co-hosts.
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Jonathan David silenced any lingering doubts about his form by scoring a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also found the back of the net to ensure the nation's first-ever World Cup win.
Qatar's misery was compounded by a Mohamed Manai own goal and two red cards as the visitors finished the match with only nine men.
Despite the emphatic scoreline and the electric atmosphere generated by more than 54,000 supporters, the biggest talking point came shortly after the restart when Kone suffered what appeared to be a serious lower-leg injury following a reckless challenge from Assim Madibo.
The incident occurred in the 52nd minute and immediately sparked concern among players from both teams.
Medical staff rushed onto the pitch as a stunned BC Place fell silent. Following a lengthy VAR review, Madibo was shown a straight red card for the challenge, becoming the second Qatari player sent off after Homam Ahmed's first-half dismissal.
As Kone was stretchered off, the midfielder drew a standing ovation from the crowd and responded with a thumbs-up gesture, offering reassurance to worried supporters.
Before the injury, Canada had completely dominated proceedings.
Jesse Marsch's side knew victory was crucial after Switzerland's earlier win over Bosnia increased the pressure in Group B, and they responded with an aggressive display from the opening whistle.
Match Report
Tajon Buchanan proved a constant menace down the right flank, repeatedly exposing Qatar's defense with his pace and direct running.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Jonathan David's powerful effort was spilled by goalkeeper Meshaal Abunada, allowing Larin to pounce on the rebound and fire Canada ahead.
The hosts continued to control possession and deservedly doubled their lead in the 28th minute. A deflected Buchanan delivery dropped kindly for David, who lashed a clinical finish into the net for his first goal of the evening.
Qatar's task became significantly harder moments later when Homam Ahmed brought down Buchanan as he raced clear on goal.
Although VAR ruled the foul had occurred outside the penalty area, Ahmed was shown a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
Canada capitalized on their numerical advantage before half-time. Deep into stoppage time, Larin forced another save from Abunada before David reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound and make it 3-0 at the break.
The second half resumed with Qatar desperately attempting to limit the damage, but any hopes of a recovery disappeared following Kone's injury and Madibo's dismissal.
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Canada channelled their emotions positively and paid tribute to their injured teammate in the 64th minute. Saliba, who had replaced Kone, curled a superb free-kick into the bottom corner before celebrating with Kone's jersey in front of the home supporters.
The goals continued to flow as Qatar's resistance crumbled.
A dangerous cross from substitute Jacob Shaffelburg forced Mohamed Manai into turning the ball into his own net for Canada's fifth goal before David completed his hat trick in stoppage time.
The striker showed sharp reactions inside the area to control a deflected effort and calmly finish into the bottom corner.
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The final whistle confirmed one of Canada's biggest victories on the World Cup stage, strengthening their position in Group B and moving them significantly closer to a place in the knockout rounds.
Yet as the celebrations began around BC Place, many Canadian fans were left anxiously awaiting updates on Kone's condition after an injury that threatened to overshadow an otherwise historic evening.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)
Group B
Thursday 18.06.
Switzerland - Bosnia & Herzegovina 4-1 (0-0)
/Manzambi 74, 90, Vargas 84, Xhaka 90+7 pen - Mahmic 90+3/
Friday 19.06.
Canada -Qatar 6-0 (3-0)
/Larin 16, David 29,45+3, 90+2, Saliba 64, Almanai (OG) 75/