Switzerland waste chances as Qatar snatch late draw in World Cup

Switzerland's men's football team failed to hold onto a lead against Qatar in a World Cup group stage match on Saturday, with Qatar earning their first ever point in the tournament after a late equalizer. The final score was 1-1.

Switzerland took the lead in the 17th minute through a penalty awarded after a VAR review, converted by Breel Embolo. Qatar's goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada made several crucial saves to keep his team in the match, as Switzerland controlled possession and had more shots on goal but could not extend their lead.

The decisive moment came in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time. Homam Al-Amin delivered a cross, and Boualem Khoukhi headed the ball into the net to make it 1-1.

This World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage. The group stage ends June 27, with the knockout rounds starting June 28. The final is scheduled for July 19.