Qatar Earn First World Cup Point With Late Leveller Against Switzerland
Qatar claimed their first ever World Cup point with a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in their Group B opener, cancelling out Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty.
Q atar earned their first point at a World Cup with a dramatic late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in their Group B opener at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area. Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty had put the Swiss ahead, but Qatar struck with virtually the last act of the game.
A penalty, then a sting in the tail
Switzerland led in the 17th minute when Embolo converted from the spot, awarded after Mahmoud Abunada was penalised for a challenge on Remo Freuler, a call some replays suggested was harsh. The Swiss dominated the chances but could not add a second. Deep in stoppage time, captain Boualem Khoukhi met a cross and his header deflected off Miro Muheim and in, an effort FIFA logged as a Muheim own goal, to spark Qatar’s celebrations.
It is a milestone for Qatar, who had lost all three games as hosts in 2022, while Switzerland will rue a wasteful afternoon in front of 67,966.
Reporting: based on official FIFA match data and reports from ESPN, Sky Sports and Goal, June 13, 2026.