Qatar stunned Switzerland in San Francisco on Saturday to take their first ever FIFA World Cup point.
Breel Embolo put the Swiss in front in the first half from the spot — after Remo Freuler was brought down by goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada.
And the then-leaders had countless opportunities to bury the game, but failed to make them count — but it looked like Qatar weren’t threatening seriously.
But Julen Lopetegui’s men dug in until the 94th minute, when a late ball into the box was headed home by skipper Boualem Khoukhi to salvage a draw and cause bedlam in the Qatar dugout.
Here’s how it unfolded.
What to know
- Qatar score late to take a stunning point and earn a 1-1 draw against Switzerland
- Breel Embolo scored from the spot after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada took out Remo Freuler in the area
- After a plethora of Swiss chances, Qatari captain Boulam Khoukhi popped up with a late header to seal their first point in FIFA World Cup history
- A VAR review into a possible offside against Freuler was cleared, but the resulting offside graphic was not displayed in the first half
That’s all from me — but stay tuned, it’s Brazil-Morocco next!
The fun moves to New Jersey, as Brazil take on Morocco in what should be a cracking Group C match.
Our coverage doesn’t stop at ESPN, and I advise you to give it a read — in the capable hands of Tom Masters, who will have all the goals and drama as it happens.
26 shots, 3.24 xG – one Swiss goal.
For 93-and-a-half minutes, this would be an issue Murat Yakin would need to address to ensure his side don’t drop points to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada.
But in fact, it is an indictment of how poor they were after going ahead in the finishing department.
History made for Qatari football
Julen Lopetegui’s game plan would have been simple.
Stay compact, stay in it, and come up with a bit of quality.
And that’s much easier said than done, when faced with a barrage of Swiss chances. But they didn’t get rash, didn’t force the moment, and the experienced captain stayed forward to deliver when it mattered. Having lost all three of their matches as hosts four years ago, they have their first World Cup point.
Switzerland punished, Qatar celebrate
Like I said earlier, Switzerland cannot say they’ve been frustrated by any bus parking, foul stop start play or lack of opportunities.
They had several chances to bury this in the first half, much less the entire second 45.
And while Qatar didn’t exactly whip up chance after chance for themselves, they kept their noses in it and took their opportunity when it came!
How about that!
FULL-TIME: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland
Qatar survive a late final push and THEY HAVE TAKEN THEIR FIRST EVER POINT AT A FIFA WORLD CUP!
IT’S QATAR 1, SWITZERLAND 1! REMARKABLE!
There was a VAR check for a potential offside against Freuler, and while it looked tight, the spot-kick was authorised and converted.
The Asian champions hoped to draw on their experience from recent major tournaments — as Asia Cup champions — to spring a surprise against one of Europe’s most consistent international sides.
Both teams knew three points here would provide an early boost in the race for a place in the last 32 — with a match against a third-placed finisher on offer for the team that comes top of the group.
Qatar booked their place at the 2026 World Cup by defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the fourth round of AFC qualifying, earning a spot at the finals for the second time in their history.
