Boualem Khoukhi headed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time to earn Qatar a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their Group B opener at the 2026 World Cup, giving the team its first point in the history of the tournament after losing all three matches as hosts in 2022.
Several Qatar players collapsed to the turf in celebration, while others sprinted to embrace teammates. Breel Embolo had opened the scoring for Switzerland from the penalty spot in the first half, just over a week after being granted emergency entry into the United States following a visa delay. However, Switzerland failed to convert several other chances that could have sealed the win.
In the 13th minute, Embolo was fouled inside the box by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, who received a yellow card. Abunada lay face-down on the pitch for several minutes before eventually moving his legs and rising to his feet. In the 17th minute, Embolo calmly converted the penalty into the top-left corner, sending the red-clad Swiss fans into raptures at Levi's Stadium.
Embolo, 29, had to file an emergency visa application at the U.S. embassy in Bern on June 3, a day after being prevented from boarding the team’s flight due to a 2018 criminal conviction that was only finalised in April. Switzerland enjoyed dominant possession in unseasonably hot June weather, with sprinklers running during halftime.
Thousands of empty seats dotted Levi's Stadium, which had hosted the Super Bowl just four months earlier. Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel denied Edmilson Junior from point-blank range in the second minute and gathered Ahmed Alaaeldin's effort in the 90th minute. The Swiss hope to advance beyond the round of 16, where they lost 6-1 to Portugal at the previous tournament.
Coach Murat Yakin's side went unbeaten through qualifying against Sweden, Kosovo and Slovenia, winning four and drawing two to secure a sixth consecutive World Cup berth. Meanwhile, Qatar — led by Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui — had to navigate a playoff path in November, defeating the UAE and Oman, after failing to capitalise on opportunities in Asian qualifying.
