Qatar Script History with Last-Gasp Equaliser Against Switzerland

Santa Clara, June 2026 : Qatar created a piece of FIFA World Cup history on Saturday by earning their first-ever point at a World Cup held outside their home country, as Boualem Khoukhi’s dramatic stoppage-time goal secured a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in an entertaining Group-stage clash in Santa Clara.

The Swiss looked set to begin their campaign with a victory after striker Breel Embolo converted an early penalty, but Qatar produced a late comeback to snatch a memorable result in the fourth minute of added time.

Switzerland dominated proceedings for large stretches of the match, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Murat Yakin’s side finished with 25 attempts on goal but failed to make their superiority count.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Qatar defender Mahmoud Abunada brought down Remo Freuler inside the penalty area. Embolo stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty past the goalkeeper to give Switzerland a deserved lead.

Despite spending much of the game on the defensive, Qatar showed glimpses of danger on the counterattack. Edmilson Junior nearly capitalised on a defensive error by Manuel Akanji as early as the second minute but saw his effort comfortably saved by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The winger also tested Kobel again shortly before halftime.

Switzerland continued to press for a second goal after the break. Dan Ndoye remained a constant threat, while Michel Aebischer came agonisingly close to scoring when his effort was cleared off the line. Juan Vargas and Embolo also squandered opportunities in the closing stages that would have sealed the contest.

Those missed chances proved costly.

Deep into stoppage time, Homam Ahmed delivered a precise cross from the left flank and Khoukhi rose above the defence at the far post to head the ball beyond Kobel, sparking jubilant celebrations among Qatar players and supporters.

The result was particularly significant for Qatar, who had struggled in previous World Cup campaigns. The draw keeps their hopes alive in the tournament and marks a landmark achievement for the Gulf nation on football’s biggest stage.

For Switzerland, it was a frustrating outcome after controlling much of the game. The match also saw veterans Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka make their joint-record 13th FIFA World Cup appearances for the national team.

While the Swiss will rue their missed opportunities, Qatar will celebrate a historic point that could prove vital in their quest to advance from the group stage.

Score:
Qatar 1 (Boualem Khoukhi 90+4′) drew with Switzerland 1 (Breel Embolo 17′ pen).