World Cup 2026: Qatar stuns Switzerland with late equaliser
Qatar snatched a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their World Cup 2026 opener thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Boualem Khoukhi.
Switzerland were stunned by Qatar in their World Cup 2026 Group B opener on Saturday, June 13, in Santa Clara, California, as the match ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw.
The Swiss took the lead in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo converted a penalty after Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada committed a reckless foul. From that point, Switzerland dominated possession, holding 78% of the ball and registering over 20 shots on goal. However, they failed to capitalise on their chances.
As the match entered stoppage time, it appeared Switzerland would secure a narrow victory. But Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi struck in the dying moments, firing a dramatic equaliser that left the Swiss stunned. The result is a major upset, as Qatar—hosts of the 2022 World Cup where they failed to advance from the group stage—showed resilience and earned a valuable point.
Switzerland will rue their missed opportunities, having controlled the game but lacking the finishing touch. Qatar, on the other hand, celebrated a hard-fought draw against a traditionally stronger European side.
