Boualem Khoukhi #16 of Qatar celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal against Switzerland.
Qatar clinches 1-1 draw with Switzerland in last minutes of World Cup Group B opener
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Qatar rescued a valuable 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opening Group B match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Boualem Khoukhi scoring a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer.
The Qatari side started brightly and nearly opened the scoring through Edmilson Junior. However, the match shifted in the 14th minute when Switzerland were awarded a penalty.
Breel Embolo converted from the spot in the 17th minute to put Switzerland ahead and give his side control for much of the contest.
Despite Switzerland's dominance in possession and chance creation, goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada produced a series of impressive saves to keep Qatar in the match.
Defenders Boualem Khoukhi and Homam Al Amin also delivered strong performances at the back, helping Qatar withstand sustained Swiss pressure. Switzerland missed several opportunities to extend their lead, with Robin Vargas and Embolo both coming close in the second half.
As Switzerland appeared set to claim all three points, Qatar found a lifeline deep into stoppage time. In the fourth minute of added time, Khoukhi rose highest to meet a ball inside the penalty area and headed it into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations among Qatari supporters.
The late equalizer earned Qatar a crucial point to begin their World Cup campaign, while Switzerland were left frustrated after coming within seconds of securing victory.
From Embolo's penalty to Khoukhi's dramatic header, Qatar refused to surrender and snatched a draw at the death.
