Qatar hold on and snatch their first-ever World Cup point in dramatic fashion in 2026

The Asian side struck in the final minute to secure a draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 debut.

Thanks to a last-minute goal from Boualem Khoukhi, Julen Lopetegui’s Qatar national team held on and earned their first-ever point in a World Cup, after a dramatic 1–1 draw against Switzerland on Saturday at San Francisco’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. A historic day for the Asian side, in what has been one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

EVERYTHING AGAINST THEM

Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 17th minute from the penalty spot after a controversial decision, following a foul by Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada on Remo Freuler.

Honduran referee Said Martinez awarded the spot-kick after reviewing the play with the help of VAR officials Guillermo Pacheco and Erick Miranda from Mexico, opting not to sanction a possible offside claimed by the Swiss side. The decision, however, drew criticism.

Despite the efforts of the 2023 Asian champions, the European side posed the greater attacking threat, particularly through aerial play. The Swiss recorded 26 shots compared to Qatar’s seven, with four of their attempts finding the target.

Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada proved instrumental throughout the match, producing a series of crucial saves and commanding interventions to emerge as Qatar’s second hero of the night. His most memorable stop came in the fifth minute, when he brilliantly denied Dan Ndoye and kept his side in the contest.

THE MIRACLE

Boualem Khoukhi etched his name into the history books of Qatari football and the AFC.

With a towering header at the far post in the 90+4th minute, meeting a cross from the right, the Al Sadd midfielder rose to the occasion to become the hero, securing the first point ever for his national team—finally something to celebrate in their fourth match of the competition.

It is, without question, the most significant goal in the country’s football history, given its impact and context, coming after what had been a difficult World Cup campaign and following their disappointing debut four years ago on home soil, when they failed to compete against Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands.

With this result, all teams in Group B are now level on one point, setting up a tightly contested and highly intriguing group stage.

Qatar will look to keep their dream alive on Thursday, June 18, when they face co-host Canada in Vancouver, where they will aim for their first victory and a chance to stay in contention for a place in the second round.