Qatar snatches draw against Switzerland in added time at 2026 World Cup

Qatar claimed a precious point against Switzerland on Saturday evening in San Francisco, equalizing in the 94th minute through Khoukhi to neutralize the Nati (1-1) in the opening match of the group stage at the 2026 World Cup. A result that ranks among the first surprises of the tournament.

Switzerland had quickly taken control of the match. From the 17th minute, Breel Embolo converted a penalty and gave the Swiss the logical advantage their dominance deserved. The rest of the match seemed mapped out: Qatar, clearly inferior technically and physically, failed to trouble Kobel and appeared headed for a defeat without honor.

But the Qataris refused to capitulate. Despite possession and volume of play well below that of their opponent, they continued to press and were finally rewarded in stoppage time. Bassam Khoukhi, center-back and captain, scored the equalizing goal at 90+4 to secure a historic point for his team.

This result takes on particular resonance in light of recent history. Four years ago, at the World Cup hosted on home soil, Qatar finished the group stage without a single point, becoming the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round. Tonight in San Francisco, the counter is finally open for the Gulf nation’s squad.

Qatar’s path ahead promises to be crucial: Lopetegui’s men will face Canada, then Bosnia, two nations that also drew (1-1) on Friday evening. In this group, everything remains open after this opening day.