Qatar Secures Historic FIFA World Cup Points with Late Equalizer Against Switzerland

In a dramatic match at the FIFA World Cup, Qatar achieved a historic milestone by earning their first-ever points after a late equalizer against Switzerland. Despite Switzerland's dominance in the first half, Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi scored in stoppage time, leveling the match at 1-1. This thrilling encounter showcased missed opportunities from both sides, with Switzerland initially taking the lead through Breel Embolo's penalty. The match ended with both teams sharing the spoils, marking a significant achievement for Qatar in their World Cup journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 04:10 IST

Match Overview

In a thrilling encounter at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Saturday, Qatar managed to secure their first-ever points in FIFA World Cup history, drawing 1-1 with Switzerland thanks to a last-minute goal from Boualem Khoukhi. The match was characterized by numerous missed opportunities from both teams.

Switzerland controlled the first half, but their inability to capitalize on chances, including two significant misses from Dan Ndoye, ultimately cost them. Despite dominating possession with 68.10% and registering 26 shots, the Swiss team could not convert their chances into a win.

Qatar had a golden opportunity early in the match when Edmilson Junior failed to score against Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who blocked the shot.

Switzerland's Dan Ndoye created several chances, one of which was saved by Qatar's Mahmoud Abunada, while another hit the crossbar. The Swiss were awarded a penalty when Abunada fouled Michel Aebischer, leading to Breel Embolo scoring in the 17th minute, igniting celebrations among the Swiss players.

As the match progressed, both teams continued to create opportunities, with physical play resulting in yellow cards for Qatar's Jassem Jaber and Switzerland's Denis Zakaria. At halftime, Switzerland led 1-0, having outperformed Qatar in terms of possession and shots on goal.

The second half saw Granit Xhaka attempt a long-range shot that sailed over the bar, followed by another missed chance from Johan Manzambi in the 81st minute. However, in a dramatic turn of events during stoppage time, Qatar's El Ahmed delivered a cross that found Khoukhi, who scored with a powerful header, leveling the match.

The game concluded with both teams earning a point, marking a significant milestone for Qatar as they celebrated their first points in World Cup history.