US men’s national soccer team kicks off World Cup run with big win
Dan Dakich analyzes the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s impressive 4-1 World Cup victory against Paraguay. He emphasizes the team’s speed and confidence, attributing it to many players’ experience at higher levels. This strong start positions the USA team 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 match would’ve been perfect on Thursday afternoon if not for an injury to Ismaël Koné that can only be described as horrifying.
Koné was carted off the field after a brutal tackle by Qatar’s Assim Madibo in the second half, which led to immediate displeasure from the Canadian players and coaches on the sideline. The tackle came from behind, and it was clear that Koné suffered something very serious.
As players huddled around Koné, replay 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 stretched 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 straight shock when the injury occurred, holding his leg at first and then placing his hands on his head.
After VAR review, referees upgraded Madibo’s foul to a red card, which marked the second for Qatar in the match after Homan Ahmed received one in the 33rd minute.
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Madibo, though, did have his hands on his head, clearly distressed after seeing what occurred to Koné as players, coaches and medical staff surrounded the 24-year-old on the pitch.
A round of applause from the home country’s fans at BC Place in Vancouver poured down from the stands, as Koné was stretchered off the field. Based on the appearance of the injury, it’s more than likely his World Cup appearance for Canada has ended prematurely.
Ismael Kone of Canada waves to the crowd as he is stretched 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 in for Koné in the 57th minute, and he scored just seven minutes later. As a celebration, he raised Koné’s jersey to the loud roar of the fans, as the score moved to 4-0. Mohammed Manai knocked an own goal in 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. Then, he scored in stoppage time again, this time in the 92nd minute to cap a fun afternoon aside from Koné’s injury.
Cyle Larin got the party started for Canada with a goal in the 16th minute as well.
After tying its first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, this 6-0 domination was the country’s first-ever World Cup victory, which also earned them the top slot in Group B.
Ismael Kone of Canada is stretched 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. (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 determining who will win the group on June 24.
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