The US men’s national soccer team starts the World Cup race with a big win
Dan Dakich analyzes the US Men’s National Soccer Team’s impressive 4-1 World Cup win against Paraguay. He emphasizes the team’s speed and confidence, attributing it to the experience of many players at higher levels. This strong start positions Team USA well for their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 showdown.
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Canada’s 6-0 thrashing of Qatar in its second FIFA World Cup game would have been perfect Thursday afternoon if not for an injury to Ismaël Koné that can only be described as horrific.
Koné was sent off for a brutal tackle on Qatar’s Assim Madibo in the second half, prompting immediate displeasure from the Canadian players and coaches on the sidelines. The tackle came from behind, and it was clear that Koné suffered something very serious.
As players huddled around Koné, replays showed the poor tackle by Madibo, with the Canadian’s left leg bent at an angle not for the faint of heart.
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Ismael Kone of Canada waves to the crowd as he is stretchered off after being fouled by Assim Madibo of Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 18, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
Koné was in outright shock when the injury occurred, first holding his leg and then placing his hands on his head.
After VAR review, the referees upgraded Madibo’s foul to a red card, marking Qatar’s second of the game after Homan Ahmed received one in the 33rd minute.
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However, Madibo had his hands on his head, clearly distressed after seeing what happened to Koné, as players, coaches and medical staff surrounded the 24-year-old on the pitch.
A round of applause from the home fans at BC Place in Vancouver erupted from the stands as Koné was carried off the pitch. Based on the appearance of the injury, it is more than likely that his World Cup appearance for Canada has ended prematurely.
Ismael Kone of Canada waves to the crowd as he is stretchered off after being fouled by Assim Madibo of Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 18, 2026. (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Nathan Saliba came on for Koné in the 57th minute and he scored just seven minutes later. In celebration, he lifted Koné’s shirt to the loud roar of the fans as the score moved to 4-0. Mohammed Manai tapped in an own goal during the 75th minute to add insult to injury for Qatar, but Canada’s takeover started with the man advantage in the first half.
Jonathan David had a hat-trick in this match, scoring in the 29th minute and stoppage time before the first half closed. He then scored in stoppage time again, this time in the 92nd minute to cap a fun afternoon apart from Koné’s injury.
Cyle Larin got the party started for Canada with a goal in the 16th minute.
After equalizing their first game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, this 6-0 dominance was the country’s first ever World Cup victory, which also gave them the top spot in Group B.
Ismael Kone of Canada is stretched after being fouled by Assim Madibo of Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 18, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday also gave them four points, with both teams deciding who will win the group on June 24.
