Qatar produced a dramatic late comeback to secure a historic 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Boualem Khoukhi’s 94th-minute header earning the Asian champions their first-ever point at football’s biggest tournament.
After a difficult record against European opposition that saw them win just two of their previous 15 encounters with sides from the continent, Qatar showed resilience and fighting spirit to deny a Swiss side that looked set to begin their campaign with victory.
Julen Lopetegui’s team started brightly and almost stunned Switzerland inside the opening moments.
A costly mistake from Manuel Akanji gifted Edmilson Junior a clear path towards goal, but the Al-Duhail forward could not find a way past the imposing figure of Gregor Kobel.
That early warning quickly sparked Switzerland into action, with Dan Ndoye forcing Mahmoud Abunada into a low save as Murat Yakin’s side began to take control of proceedings.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 17th minute when Remo Freuler was brought down inside the penalty area by Abunada.
Breel Embolo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to register his 25th international goal and give Switzerland a deserved lead.
The Red Crosses continued to dominate after taking the advantage, with Ndoye twice coming close to doubling their lead.
Qatar remained dangerous on the break, however, and Edmilson Junior was again denied, this time by Kobel’s legs as the hosts searched for a response.
Switzerland nearly extended their advantage just before half-time when Michel Aebischer unleashed a powerful strike, only for Pedro Miguel to make a crucial goal-line clearance and keep Qatar within reach.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Switzerland controlling possession and creating the better chances. Granit Xhaka fired narrowly over from distance, while Abunada produced another excellent save to deny Ruben Vargas.
Embolo then missed a golden opportunity to put the game beyond Qatar, poking a close-range effort wide as Switzerland continued to pay the price for their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
Those missed chances proved costly.
Just when it appeared Switzerland had done enough to secure all three points, Qatar delivered a stunning late twist.
Captain Boualem Khoukhi rose highest at the back post to meet Homam Al Amin’s delivery, powering a header into the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time to spark wild celebrations and secure a memorable draw.
The result marks a historic milestone for Qatar, who claimed their first-ever World Cup point after suffering defeat in all three matches during their debut appearance as hosts in 2022.
For Switzerland, the draw will feel like a missed opportunity after dominating large parts of the contest but failing to turn their superiority into a decisive second goal.
Qatar will now turn their attention to a clash with co-hosts Canada next Friday at 1 am, while Switzerland will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday night at 10 pm.
