World Cup 2026 | Qatar 1 - 1 Switzerland
Historic moment for Qatar
They claimed the first World Cup point in their history with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland.
Author | Peter Grainger
Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Boualem Khoukhi rose to head home Homam El Amin's cross in the fourth minute of added time, sparking jubilant celebrations among Julen Lopetegui's players.
A closer analysis of what happened
It was a remarkable finale to a contest largely controlled by Switzerland, who had looked set to secure victory through Breel Embolo's first-half penalty.
The striker converted from the spot after Remo Freuler was brought down by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, although television replays suggested the Bologna midfielder may have been marginally offside in the build-up.
At that point, Murat Yakın's side appeared on course to move to the top of Group B ahead of more demanding fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada.
How costly could these two dropped points be for Switzerland ?
But Switzerland paid the price for a series of missed chances and a noticeable drop in intensity during the closing stages.
A great moment for Qatar. A missed opportunity for Switzerland though?— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) June 14, 2026
Nottingham Forest forward Dan Ndoye squandered several promising openings, while Ruben Vargas and Embolo were also unable to convert clear-cut opportunities.
Their wastefulness kept Qatar in the contest and, despite being second best for much of the match, the hosts found a way to earn an unlikely and historic point.
Now, after probably thinking they could win the group, Switzerland will perhaps be starting to doubt if they can even qualify.
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