Qatar Secures Historic First World Cup Point in Stoppage-Time Draw vs. Switzerland
Published June 13, 2026
Qatar earned its inaugural FIFA World Cup point in dramatic fashion, snatching a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opening Group B fixture at Levi's Stadium.
Published — local time around the world
The 2026 FIFA World Cup saw an electrifying start for Qatar as they secured a memorable 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Saturday, earning their first-ever point in the tournament's history. The crucial equalizer came deep into stoppage time, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Qatari squad and fans alike in what was a thrilling Group B encounter played in Santa Clara, California.
Switzerland initially took the lead through a penalty kick converted by Breel Embolo in the 17th minute. The spot-kick was awarded after Qatar's goalkeeper, Mahmoud Abunada, fouled Embolo inside the box, an incident that also saw Abunada briefly incapacitated but ultimately able to continue. Embolo's goal, calmly dispatched into the top corner, put the Swiss in control, a position they largely maintained throughout the match, particularly dominating possession.
Despite Switzerland's control and multiple missed opportunities to extend their lead, Qatar persevered. The decisive moment arrived in the fourth minute of added time when Boualem Khoukhi rose to head home an equalizer, stunning the Swiss and ensuring a share of the points. This late comeback not only marked a significant milestone for Qatar but also underscored the unpredictable nature of the 48-team tournament hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The match also featured a notable subplot involving Swiss striker Embolo, who had only recently been cleared to enter the United States after a last-minute visa delay related to a prior conviction. His presence on the field, and his opening goal, added another layer of drama to an already captivating World Cup fixture. The tournament continues to unfold with matches scheduled through June and July 2026.