SANTA CLARA – Qatar caused a surprise at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday by drawing 1-1 against Switzerland in Group B. The Swiss seemed to be on their way to victory for a long time, but a late goal by Boualem Khoukhi gave the Asian team an important point.
Switzerland started the match at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara strongly and dominated large parts of the match. The European team was rewarded for this in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo scored from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded after the intervention of the video referee (VAR), a decision that caused discussion.
After the opening goal, Switzerland remained the dominant party. National coach Murat Yakin’s team created several chances, but failed to expand their lead. This kept Qatar alive and the belief in a result grew as the match progressed.
The equalizer was scored in injury time. Defender Boualem Khoukhi headed in Homam Ahmed’s cross in the 95th minute, causing the Qatari supporters to delight. The 1-1 also turned out to be the final score.
For Qatar, the draw represents an important boost in the battle for qualification for the knockout phase. The team did not score a single point during the 2022 World Cup as host country and has now immediately achieved a better result.
The match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina was previously scheduled in Group B. That match also ended in a draw (1-1), meaning that all four countries have one point after the first round.
Final score: Qatar – Switzerland 1-1 (0-1)
Goals: 17′ Embolo 0-1 (penalty), 90+5′ Khoukhi 1-1.
