Jonathan David had waited his whole international career for a moment like this. The Lille forward scored a hat-trick on Wednesday as Canada beat Qatar 6-0 at BC Place in Vancouver, recording the biggest win by a CONCACAF team in men’s World Cup history. It was also Canada’s first-ever victory in the competition.
Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute. David then added goals in the 29th minute and in first-half stoppage time. Nathan Saliba made it four after the break, David completed his treble, and an own goal rounded off a remarkable evening at 6-0.
Qatar finished the match with nine men. Homan Ahmed was sent off in the first half. Assim Madibo received a second red card early in the second after a tackle on Ismaël Koné, who was stretchered off with an injury to his lower left leg.
Canada entered the tournament as host nation co-contenders, expected to make the knockout rounds but not to announce themselves quite like this. The BC Place crowd was at full capacity, and the atmosphere from the opening whistle carried the team forward from the first minute to the last.
David’s performance will be discussed for a long time. He has been one of the most consistent scorers in European club football for three years, but international football had never quite matched that output. Wednesday night changed that. Canada’s next match will determine whether they win Group B outright.
