Canada’s Saliba Scores 2026 World Cup’s First Free-Kick in Vancouver
Canada midfielder Nathan-Dylan Saliba made tournament history by netting the first direct free-kick of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stepping up in the 64th minute against Qatar at BC Place, the 22-year-old curled a stunning set-piece into the top corner for Canada’s fourth goal in a dominant 5-0 win. Saliba immediately dedicated the strike to team-mate Ismaël Koné, who had suffered a gruesome leg fracture earlier in the match. Despite being a combative central midfielder with little reputation as a dead-ball specialist, he rose to the occasion.
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