Qatar rescued a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland with a stoppage-time equalizer, earning a valuable point in their opening 2026 World Cup match.
Qatar and Switzerland served up plenty of entertainment in their 2026 World Cup opener.
As ESPN reports, Switzerland looked set to kick off their Group B campaign with all three points after Breel Embolo converted a first-half penalty. But just when the Swiss thought the job was done, Qatar struck back in dramatic fashion.
The Swiss opener was not without controversy. Questions were raised about a possible offside in the build-up to the penalty incident, sparking debate among fans and pundits. Despite the complaints, the goal stood and Switzerland appeared in control for much of the contest.
Qatar, however, refused to fold. After spending large portions of the match under pressure, they found a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Boualem Khoukhi powered home a header to level the scores at 1-1. The late goal secured Qatar’s first point of the tournament and sparked wild celebrations among their supporters.
For Switzerland, it was a case of missed opportunities. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, they failed to put the game beyond reach and were punished at the death.
The result leaves Group B finely balanced and sets up an intriguing next round of fixtures as both teams continue their quest for a place in the knockout stages.
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