Embolo’s penalty seemed enough to secure three points, but Qatar snatched a dramatic draw deep into stoppage time to earn its first point of the tournament.
Qatar produced one of the early surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to earn a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Group B.
The Swiss appeared on course for victory after Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty had given Murat Yakin’s side the lead. However, a late goal from veteran defender Boualem Khoukhi rescued a valuable point for the hosts and left Switzerland frustrated after controlling much of the match.
The game began with an early warning for the Swiss defense. Qatar nearly found the breakthrough in the opening minutes, but goalkeeper Gregor Kobel reacted quickly to deny Edmilson in a one-on-one situation.
Switzerland gradually settled into the contest and took control of possession. Their breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Remo Freuler won a penalty inside the box. Embolo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending Meshaal Abunada the wrong way to make it 1-0.
The Swiss had opportunities to extend their lead, but Abunada delivered an outstanding performance between the posts. The Qatari goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep his side in the match, while Kobel was also called into action again to stop another dangerous effort from Edmilson.
The second half lacked the intensity of the opening period, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. Switzerland looked comfortable protecting its advantage and appeared ready to secure all three points.
Instead, Qatar found a dramatic equalizer in the final moments. Deep into stoppage time, Khoukhi rose inside the penalty area and delivered the decisive touch that stunned the Swiss defense and sent the home supporters into celebration.
The late goal earned Qatar a historic point and kept Group B wide open after Matchday 1. Switzerland will feel disappointed after leading for nearly eighty minutes but failed to close out the match.
Match Report: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland
Goals: 17′ Penalty Embolo (SUI), 90+5′ Khoukhi (QAT)
Qatar (4-3-3): Abunada; Al-Oui (60′ Fathi), Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Ahmed, Laye; Gaber (60′ Boudiaf), Madibo (78′ Al Mannai), Abdurisag (60′ Alaaeldin); Edmilson (89′ El Haydos), Afif.
Head Coach: Julen Lopetegui
Switzerland (3-4-3): Kobel; Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez (89′ Muheim); Aebischer (66′ Rieder), Zakaria, Freuler (89′ Jashari), Xhaka; Ndoye (66′ Manzambi), Embolo, Vargas (79′ Amdouni).
Head Coach: Murat Yakin
Referee: Said Martinez (Honduras)
Yellow Cards: Abunada, Gaber (Qatar); Zakaria (Switzerland)
Red Cards: None
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group B
