Switzerland and Qatar Close Group B Opener with a Draw

Qatar snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in the closing moments of their opening Group B match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. A header from Boualem Khoukhi in the 90+4 minute canceled out Breel Embolo's 17th-minute penalty, denying Switzerland a victory they held for most of the game.

This late equalizer is historic for Qatar, earning them their first-ever point in the World Cup. In their previous appearance as hosts four years ago, they lost all three group stage matches. The result means that, like their group rivals Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina who also drew 1-1, Qatar begins the tournament with a point, leaving Group B wide open.

For Qatar's coach Julen Lopetegui, the draw provides a positive start to his World Cup campaign, eight years after his controversial dismissal from the Spanish national team on the eve of the 2018 World Cup. Switzerland, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities, including two first-half saves by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel against Qatar's Edmilson Junior, before Khoukhi's decisive late header.

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QATAR EQUALIZES THE MATCH IN THE LAST MINUTE! Captain Boualem Khoukhi heads in from inside the area and they get their First point in a World Cup! Switzerland couldn't hold the lead: 1-1!