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Qatar Secures First-Ever World Cup Point in Dramatic 1-1 Draw Against Switzerland

The Qatar National Team achieved a historic milestone by securing a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in their 2026 World Cup Group B opener.

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From the opening whistle, the Maroons proved to be a formidable opponent. Edmilson Junior nearly put Qatar ahead in the opening moments of the match during a one-on-one chance, but Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a brilliant save.

In the 17th minute, Switzerland earned a penalty which was converted by Breel Embolo to give the Swiss the lead. Following the goal, Switzerland continued to squander clear-cut chances, largely due to the heroics of Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, who was undisputedly the Man of the Match.

The Dramatic 95th-Minute Equalizer

Qatar’s performance improved significantly in the second half, gradually creating threats in Kobel’s penalty area while Switzerland completely faded, particularly in the final thirty minutes.

The breakthrough came in the 95th minute when Homam Al-Amin delivered a superb cross from the left flank, met by a brilliant header from Boualem Khoukhi to net the dramatic equalizer for the Maroons.

Historical Fact: With this result, Qatar secures its first-ever point in World Cup history, following its debut in the 2022 edition where the team suffered three consecutive group-stage defeats.

Following this draw, Group B remains wide open, with Qatar, Switzerland, Bosnia, and Canada all locked at one point each, setting up an intense battle for qualification to the Round of 32 in the upcoming fixtures.