The Qatari national team pulled off a thrilling draw with a score of one goal each against their Swiss counterpart in the opening match of Group B in the 2026 World Cup.
The draw tasted like a victory after defender Boualem Khoukhi managed to score the equalizing goal in stoppage time (minute +90) with a remarkable header.
The “Maroon” team entered the match well, and almost opened the scoring early through Edmilson Junior, before the course of the match changed in the 14th minute when the referee awarded a penalty to the Swiss team, which Breel Embolo successfully converted into a goal in the 17th minute, giving Switzerland the advantage for most of the match.
Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nadi had a great match, saving his goal from several certain goals, while Boualem Khoukhi and Hamam Al-Amin shone in the backline to keep the Maroon’s hopes alive until the last moments.
The Swiss team wasted more than one opportunity to seal the match, with the most notable chances coming from Ruben Vargas and Breel Embolo during the second half.
As the match was heading towards a Swiss victory, the Qatari relief came in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Boualem Khoukhi rose to a ball inside the penalty area and converted it with his head into the net, scoring the equalizing goal amid overwhelming joy in the Qatari stands.
The late goal provided the Qatari national team with a valuable point at the start of their World Cup journey, while the Swiss team felt a great disappointment after being just seconds away from securing three points.
