Qatar picks first ever World Cup point in Switzerland draw

Qatar scored a late goal to seal a 1-1 draw with Switzerland and earn a point in their first Group B match of the 2026 World Cup.

The Julen Lopetegui-led Arab nation were staring down the barrel of defeat at the San Francisco Bay Area stadium before netting a shock leveler to claim their first ever point in the country’s World Cup history.

Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup for their first ever appearance and lost all three group matches, but have registered the record-breaking point thanks to Boualem Khoukhi who cancelled Breel Embolo’s early penalty.

Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada mistimed his punch and brought down Remo Freuler in the area for a penalty kick to the Swiss, and Embbolo who was initially denied entry into US until an appeal was granted sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand the European nation the lead.

Switzerland had several chances to increase the lead but a combination of poor final pass, wayward finish, and goalkeeper saves.

At the other end, Qatar kept up their attacking endeavor despite missing good openings and Lopetegui sent defender Khoukhi into attack for a final push with the clock counting down to full-time.

The Algeria-born veteran defender met winger Ahmed Al-Ganehi’s excellent cross to the back post with a peach of a header that left the Swiss goalkeeper stranded.

Khoukhi is also only the second player to score for Qatar in a World Cup match as his goal ended a three-match tournament losing streak.

Qatar, who took points of an European opponent for the first time ever in a competitive match, is locked on one point with other Group B members Bosnia & Herzegovina, Switzerland, and co-hosts Canada.

The Maroons will face Canada next on Thursday, with Switzerland clashing with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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