Qatar’s first-ever point in FIFA World Cup history came in the most dramatic fashion possible, as the Qatar vs Switzerland World Cup 2026 Group B clash ended 1-1 in Santa Clara. Boualem Khoukhi scored a 94th-minute equaliser for Qatar to earn them their first-ever point at a World Cup with the draw, while the Swiss were made to rue missing chances and accumulated 3.24 expected goals from 26 shots.
Embolo Penalty Looked to Be Enough – Then Khoukhi Struck
Switzerland were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute when Remo Freuler latched on to a downward header from Embolo and was clattered by Abunada, who then needed treatment. After a lengthy delay and a VAR check for offside, Breel Embolo kept his composure to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot. It was, notably, Switzerland’s first-ever penalty at a World Cup.
The second half told a familiar story: Switzerland created and wasted. Embolo shot into the side-netting with 15 minutes left and substitute Johan Manzambi fired narrowly wide. Aebischer’s shot had also been cleared off the goal-line in first-half stoppage time. Qatar, managed by former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui, held their shape and waited.
Their patience paid off in the fourth minute of added time. Miro Muheim’s late own goal later confirmed as such by FIFA after initially being credited to Khoukhi four minutes into stoppage time earned Qatar a share of the points.
Group B Wide Open After Opening Fixtures
Qatar snatched their first FIFA World Cup point in what was their first World Cup appearance on foreign soil. Switzerland’s coach summed up the frustration afterwards: “Maybe we lost a bit of patience and felt we absolutely had to score the second goal. We have to be clever and experienced enough to see out a game at 1-0. We knew they were waiting for their moment. And they got it in the 94th minute.”
The result leaves all four teams in Group B level on one point. Switzerland next face Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Qatar take on co-hosts Canada a fixture that now looks pivotal for both sides’ hopes of progressing.
World Cup 2026 Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia, Qatar Preview →
Full match stats and highlights are available via FIFA.com.
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