Image: from CBS Sports Golazo X @CBSSportsGolazo
By Open Chronicle with agencies
The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced its first major surprise as Qatar fought back to earn a dramatic 1,1 draw against Switzerland in a thrilling Group B encounter at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco. A powerful stoppage-time header from defender Boualem Khoukhi rescued a historic point for the Asian side after Switzerland had dominated much of the match.
The Swiss entered the tournament as clear favourites and looked set to begin their campaign with a victory after creating a long list of scoring opportunities. However, wasteful finishing and an inspired performance by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada allowed the underdogs to stay alive before delivering a late twist.
Switzerland started brightly and nearly paid for an early defensive mistake when Edmilson Junior broke through in the opening minutes, only to be denied by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. From that point on, the European side took control, with Dan Ndoye, Rubén Vargas, and Breel Embolo repeatedly testing the Qatari defence.
🚨 95TH-MINUTE EQUALIZER!!! 🇶🇦🔥
QATAR HAVE DONE IT!
Switzerland thought they had all three points, but Qatar strike at the death to make it 1-1! 🤯
The first major World Cup shock is HERE. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/NUUYP77bqu
— Chibuike Stephen James (@Stephen_James01) June 13, 2026
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute after Remo Freuler was brought down inside the penalty area by Abunada. Following a brief offside review, the penalty was confirmed, and Embolo calmly converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1,0.
Despite their lead, Switzerland failed to capitalise on their superiority. Ndoye missed several clear chances, Vargas was denied by a brilliant save, and Embolo came close to extending the advantage as Qatar’s defence scrambled desperately to keep the scoreline within reach.
Statistically, the Swiss were in complete control. They enjoyed the majority of possession and generated an expected goals tally far superior to Qatar’s, but the inability to find a second goal would ultimately prove costly.
As the second half progressed, Switzerland continued to press. Granit Xhaka fired narrowly wide from distance, while Johan Manzambi and Embolo both squandered opportunities that could have sealed the match. Abunada remained one of Qatar’s standout performers, producing a series of crucial saves to keep his team in contention.
With the match entering six minutes of added time, Switzerland appeared to have one hand on the three points. But Qatar found one final opportunity. A brilliant run down the left flank by El-Amin created space for a dangerous cross toward the back post, where veteran defender Khoukhi rose above the Swiss defence and powered a header beyond Kobel.
The dramatic equaliser sparked celebrations among the Qatari supporters and secured what could become one of the most memorable results in the nation’s World Cup history. It also marked the tournament’s first significant upset, highlighting once again the unpredictability that defines football’s biggest stage.
For Switzerland, the result will feel like two points dropped. Murat Yakin’s side created enough chances to score four or five goals but lacked the clinical edge required at this level. The Swiss will now look to sharpen their finishing before their next group match, while Qatar can take confidence from a disciplined defensive display and a never-say-die attitude.
The third day of the World Cup continues with another highly anticipated clash as Brazil face Morocco in New Jersey, while Qatar’s dramatic comeback has already ensured that the tournament has its first unforgettable surprise.
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