Qatar Battle to Draw in Opening World Cup Match

Qatar began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their Group B opener at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday.

The Swiss took the lead in the 17th minute after Breel Embolo converted a penalty awarded when Qatar goalkeeper Abu Nada brought down Remo Freuler inside the area.

Despite trailing for much of the match, Qatar continued to press for an equaliser and found their breakthrough deep into stoppage time. Hammam Al Amin delivered a cross from the left, and Boualem Khoukhi headed home in the 95th minute to rescue a valuable point for the Maroons.

The result leaves Group B finely balanced, with Qatar, Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina all level on one point following draws in both opening-round matches.