California, USA – Defender Boualem Khoukhi rescued Qatar from a certain defeat against Switzerland, scoring a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time. This secured a valuable 1-1 draw for “Al-Annabi” in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Levi’s Stadium in California hosted the match between the two teams in the first round of the group stage. This match took place during the historic edition of the World Cup held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Qatar found themselves trailing from the 17th minute after the referee awarded Switzerland a penalty kick following a foul on Ruben Vargas inside the penalty area. Breel Embolo successfully converted the penalty to give Switzerland the lead.
The Swiss team maintained their advantage for most of the match, while Qatar continued their search for a goal to get back into the game. This came amidst a resolute defensive performance from their opponents.
In the dying moments, specifically in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Hammam Al-Amin delivered a perfect cross into the penalty area. Boualem Khoukhi rose to meet it and headed it powerfully into the net. This secured a valuable draw for Qatar, sparking jubilation among the players and fans of the Maroon team.
The goal wasn’t just a valuable point; it also held historical significance. It gave Qatar their first-ever point in the World Cup group stage, after four matches in the tournament without securing a single point.
ملخص مباراة قطر وسويسرا | دور المجموعات – كأس العالم FIFA 2026™#كأس_العالم2026 | #مونديال2026 | #كأس_العالم#FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 pic.twitter.com/yUx9fpfaLT
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 13, 2026With this draw, the Qatari national team begins its 2026 World Cup campaign on a positive note, boosting its hopes of qualifying for the next round.
