US men’s soccer team kicks off World Cup run with big win
Dan Dakich analyzes the United States men’s soccer team’s impressive 4-1 World Cup victory against Paraguay. He highlights the speed and confidence of the team, attributing it to the experience of many players at higher levels. This strong start positions Team USA well for their next matchup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Canada’s 6-0 thrashing of Qatar in its second FIFA World Cup match 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 the field after a brutal challenge by Qatar’s Assim Madibo in the second half, sparking immediate displeasure from the Canadian players and coaches on the bench. The entrance came from behind and it was clear that Koné was suffering from something very serious.
As the players crowded around Koné, the replay showed Madibo’s poor tackle, with the Canadian’s left leg bent at an angle not for the faint of heart.
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE
Ismael Kone of Canada waves to the crowd while stretched after receiving a foul from Assim Madibo of Qatar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 18, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
Koné was in shock when the injury occurred, holding his leg at first and then placing his hands on his head.
After the VAR review, the referees upgraded Madibo’s foul to a red card, marking Qatar’s second in the match after Homan Ahmed received one in the 33rd minute.
THE NEW EXPERIENCE OF WATCHING THE FOX ONE WORLD CUP
Madibo, however, had his hands on his head, clearly distraught after seeing what happened to Koné as players, coaches and medical staff surrounded the 24-year-old on the field.
A round of applause from his home country fans at Vancouver’s BC Place came from the stands as Koné was stretchered off the field. Based on the appearance of the injury, it is more than likely that his World Cup participation with Canada ended prematurely.
Ismael Kone of Canada waves to the crowd while stretched after receiving a foul from Assim Madibo of Qatar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 18, 2026. (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Nathan Saliba replaced Koné in the 57th minute and scored just seven minutes later. In celebration, he raised Koné’s shirt to the loud roar of the fans, as the score advanced to 4-0. Mohammed Manai scored an own goal during the 75th minute to add insult to injury for Qatar, but Canada’s takeover began with the man advantage in the first half.
Jonathan David achieved a hat trick in this match, scoring in the 29th minute and into stoppage time before the first half closed. He then scored again in added time, this time in the 92nd minute, to cap a fun afternoon aside from Koné’s injury.
Cyle Larin also got the party started for Canada with a goal in the 16th minute.
After drawing their first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, this 6-0 dominance was the country’s first World Cup victory, also earning them first place in Group B.
Ismael Kone of Canada is stretched after receiving a foul from Assim Madibo of Qatar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 18, 2026. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Switzerland’s 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday also gave them four points, and both teams will determine who will win the group on June 24.
