Qatar 1-1 Switzerland Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Khoukhi's Late Equaliser Snatches Points From Swiss

Qatar have secured a historic first-ever World Cup point in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland. After a frantic start where both Edmilson and Dan Ndoye missed early opportunities, Breel Embolo gave the Swiss a 17th-minute lead from the penalty spot following a foul by Mahmoud Abunada on Remo Freuler. While the second half remained cagey, Switzerland repeatedly failed to capitalize on their dominance, ultimately recording a total of 3.24 expected goals (xG) to Qatar’s 0.76. That lack of clinical edge proved fatal, as Qatar captain Boualem Khoukhi rose highest in the fourth minute of stoppage time to head home a stunning equalizer. The result leaves all four teams in Group B level on a single point. Looking ahead, Switzerland will take on Bosnia-Herzegovina this Thursday, while Qatar faces a high-profile matchup against co-hosts Canada on the same day. That concludes our coverage for today—thank you for joining us, and goodbye for now!

Dramatic scenes at the death—Qatar have snatched a stunning 1-1 equalizer! After Switzerland failed to capitalize on their dominance and missed a host of chances, they were made to pay in the final seconds. Ahmed found acres of space on the left flank to whip a perfect cross toward the back post, where captain Boualem Khoukhi rose highest to tower over Muheim and thunder a header into the top-right corner. It is a monumental moment for Julen Lopetegui’s side, who have defied the odds to secure a famous point in their World Cup opener.

Switzerland nearly extended their advantage following a fluid passing sequence that set up Manzambi for a strike from distance. He aimed for the bottom-left corner with a dipping effort that had the goalkeeper beaten, but the ball narrowly drifted wide of the post, denying him a stunning goal.

Switzerland came agonizingly close to doubling their lead after a sublime through ball from Manzambi carved open the defense for Breel Embolo. The striker showed great composure to poke the ball past the onrushing Mahmoud Abunada, but his effort agonizingly trickled just inches wide of the bottom-left corner, sparing Qatar from conceding a second goal.

The second half has lacked clinical edge, with Switzerland failing to record a single shot on target across their five attempts. Qatar, meanwhile, have yet to register a shot at all, though manager Julen Lopetegui will likely be emphasizing to his side that they remain firmly in the contest. If they can withstand the current pressure and hold firm for the next ten minutes, they will keep their hopes of a comeback alive as the match enters its final stages.

Manuel Akanji saw his long-range lob drift slightly over the reach of Ruben Vargas, but the Swiss winger did well to recover and flick the ball out for a throw-in, preventing a goal-kick. The match has entered a noticeable lull over the last five minutes as both sides have slowed their tempo. With the game beginning to drift, Murat Yakin will be eager to see his squad maintain their concentration and avoid any complacency that could allow Qatar an opening to get back into the contest.

Mahmoud Abunada’s punch cleared the initial Swiss corner, but his defensive effort only resulted in another set-piece for the opposition. Ruben Vargas swung in the subsequent delivery, which was promptly cleared by Boualem Khoukhi. However, the clearance fell perfectly for Granit Xhaka, who unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that sailed just inches over the crossbar, signaling Switzerland’s continued intent to extend their lead.

Switzerland head into the half-time break with a narrow 1-0 lead over Qatar, though Murat Yakin will likely be frustrated that his side hasn't built a more commanding cushion. While Edmilson and the persistent Dan Ndoye both squandered golden opportunities early on, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo clinically converted from the penalty spot after Mahmoud Abunada brought down Remo Freuler. Despite maintaining total control and creating a flurry of high-quality chances, the Swiss have struggled with their final-third efficiency; their dominance is clearly illustrated by a lopsided expected goals (xG) tally of 2.17 compared to Qatar’s modest 0.45, leaving the door slightly ajar for a Qatari resurgence in the second half.

Switzerland nearly doubled their lead after Breel Embolo displayed excellent strength to hold up the ball inside the area before laying it off to an onrushing Ruben Vargas. With only Mahmoud Abunada left to beat, Vargas drilled a low shot toward the bottom-right corner, but the Qatar goalkeeper produced a vital, deft touch to steer the ball behind for a corner, keeping his side within striking distance.

Switzerland are currently controlling proceedings at Levi’s Stadium, where they lead 1-0 thanks to an early Breel Embolo penalty. Murat Yakin’s side has maintained a high level of technical dominance, frequently dictating the tempo and forcing Qatar to defend deep.

Switzerland’s crisp passing nearly carved open the Qatari backline once more; Breel Embolo linked up effectively with Dan Ndoye, though Ndoye’s final effort drifted wide of Mahmud Abunada’s goal. Despite the pressure, Qatar continues to hold their defensive shape as they look for an opportunity to strike back on the counter.

Nico Elvedi found himself in a spot of trouble after a lapse in concentration, barging into Youssef Abdulrazzaq while seemingly losing track of the ball. The clumsy challenge forced a corner for Qatar, the first of the match, leaving manager Murat Yakin visibly frustrated with his centre-back's lack of composure in a defensive situation.

Switzerland struck first after a dramatic VAR intervention awarded them a penalty in the first half. The opportunity arose when Denis Zakaria floated a precise ball to Breel Embolo, who headed it into the path of Remo Freuler; as Freuler surged forward, Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada lunged out and collided with him, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Despite a tense check for a potential offside in the build-up, the original decision stood, handing Switzerland a golden chance to break the deadlock. Embolo stepped up to the mark, composed himself, and coolly swept his effort into the bottom-left corner, sending Abunada the wrong way to put the Swiss ahead 1-0.

Switzerland quickly signaled their intent, carving out two massive opportunities within the opening ten minutes. First, Michel Aebischer dissected the Qatari defense with a sublime pass to Dan Ndoye, whose low, right-footed strike from inside the box forced a sharp, parried save from Mahmoud Abunada before the referee whistled for a foul in the scramble. Moments later, Ndoye was presented with an even clearer look at goal; after Ricardo Rodriguez overlapped to deliver a dangerous, low ball toward the penalty spot, an unmarked Ndoye arrived perfectly but swept his first-time effort agonisingly over the bar with the goal at his mercy. It was a frantic start that left the Qatari defense scrambling and Ndoye rueing two missed chances to break the deadlock early on.

Despite a customary delay to the start of proceedings, Honduran referee Said Martinez finally blew his whistle at Levi’s Stadium, officially setting the action in motion in Santa Clara. With the anticipation palpable, both Qatar and Switzerland have kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns, eager to impose their tactical blueprints on this critical Group B opener and secure a vital early advantage in the standings.

Mahmoud Abunada; Homam El Amin, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Ayoub Al Oui; Issa Laye, Assim Madibo, Jassem Gaber; Akram Afif, Yusuf Abdurisag, Edmilson Junior.

Gregor Kobel; Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Denis Zakaria; Ricardo Rodriguez, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Michel Aebischer; Ruben Vargas, Dan Ndoye; Breel Embolo.

Switzerland head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for their 13th appearance, marking their sixth consecutive qualification for the global showpiece. Under the steady guidance of manager Murat Yakin, "The Nati" have established themselves as a model of consistency, though they remain haunted by a recurring hurdle: they have exited at the Round of 16 in five of their last six tournament appearances and have not reached a quarter-final since hosting the event in 1954. Despite a recent penalty shootout loss to England in the EURO 2024 quarter-finals, Switzerland remains a formidable unit, anchored by the experienced leadership of captain Granit Xhaka and a core of talent playing across Europe’s top leagues. Having navigated a flawless qualifying campaign to reach this stage, the Swiss arrive in North America well-drilled and determined to finally break their knockout-stage cycle, starting their Group B campaign against Qatar.

Total Matches: 1

Qatar Wins: 1

Switzerland Wins: 0

Draws: 0

Goalkeepers: Salah Zakaria, Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham

Defenders: Hashmi Hussein, Ayoub Alawi, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Issa Laaye, Lucas Mendes, Sultan Al-Brake, Homam Al-Amin

Midfielders: Mohammed Al-Manai, Jassem Jaber, Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Fathi, Abdulaziz Hatem, Assim Madibo

Forwards: Tahseen Mohammed, Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif, Mohammed Muntari, Youssef Abdulrazzaq, Ahmed Alaa, Hassan Al-Haydos, Ahmed Al-Janahi

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Marvin Keller, Yvon Mvogo

Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Aurele Amenda, Eray Comert, Nico Elvedi, Luca Jaquez, Miro Muheim, Ricardo Rodriguez, Silvan Widmer

Midfielders: Michel Aebischer, Christian Fassnacht, Remo Freuler, Cedric Itten, Ardon Jashari, Fabian Rieder, Djibril Sow, Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria

Forwards: Zeki Amdouni, Breel Embolo, Johan Manzambi, Dan Ndoye, Noah Okafor, Ruben Vargas

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports network on television. For live streaming, one can catch the action on the Zee5 app and website.

Location: Santa Clara, California, USA

Stadium: Levi's Stadium (San Francisco Bay Area Stadium)

Date: Saturday, 13 June

Kick-off Time: 14/06/2026 – 12:30 AM (IST

Greetings, we are back with our FIFA World Cup 2026 live blog Qatar and Switzerland face-off in the Group B second match. The action is about to begin, so stay tuned for all the live updates from Levi's Stadium.