Qatar rescues late draw against Switzerland in 2026 World Cup

Qatar salvaged a valuable point against Switzerland in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, concluding with a 1-1 draw in San Francisco. The match, part of a balanced Group B that also saw Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina draw by the same scoreline, was decided in added time. Switzerland took the lead through a penalty converted by Breel Embolo, who beat Qatari goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada after the foul was committed by Remo Freuler. The first half concluded with Switzerland holding a narrow advantage, having created more opportunities and enjoying 65 percent possession. Qatar, struggling to assert themselves on their World Cup debut, managed only three shots compared to Switzerland's fourteen in the initial period. Despite Switzerland's dominance in statistics, they failed to extend their lead. Qatar's efforts to improve, including triple substitutions, were initially insufficient. However, in the dying moments of the game, a precise aerial pass found Boualem Khoukhi, who headed home the equalizer, securing the 1-1 final score. In the next round of matches, Switzerland will face Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Qatar is set to play against Canada.