Qatar secured their first ever point in World Cup history after Boualem Khoukhi’s late header cancelled out Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty to earn a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their Group B opener at the San Francisco Bay Area stadium.
The Julen Lopetegui-coached side, who lost all three matches at the 2022 World Cup they hosted, were heading for another defeat before Khoukhi met Ahmed Al-Ganehi’s cross to the back post with a clinical header that left the Swiss goalkeeper with no chance.
Qatar’s goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada had gifted Switzerland the lead, mistiming a punch and bringing down Remo Freuler in the area. Embolo, who had faced a late visa challenge before being granted entry into the United States, converted the resulting penalty.
Switzerland created multiple opportunities to extend their lead but failed to convert, and Lopetegui’s tactical decision to push Khoukhi forward proved decisive. The result leaves all four Group B sides — Qatar, Switzerland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and co-hosts Canada — level on one point each. Qatar face Canada next Thursday, while Switzerland take on Bosnia & Herzegovina.
