Qatar staged a stunning late comeback to hold Switzerland to a 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match, with captain Boualem Khoukhi scoring in stoppage time after Breel Embolo put Switzerland ahead from the penalty spot. The outcome at Levi's Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area was a tight, hard-fought game that remained competitive until the closing seconds.
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Switzerland started livelier and controlled the game for lengthy terms, putting Qatar under strain with possession and pressing. Their dominance was rewarded in the 17th minute, when Breel Embolo neatly converted a penalty to put the Europeans ahead.
But Qatar never stopped believing. Despite spending much of the game chasing the ball, the hosts shown resilience and discipline by remaining compact at the back and seeking for breakaway opportunities. That perseverance paid off in the 94th minute, when Khoukhi rose to meet a cross and powered in the equalizer, eliciting cheers on the Qatar bench.
What It Means
For Qatar, the draw will feel like a victory after coming from behind so late in the game. It was a display of character, patience and belief against a stronger possession-based side. For Switzerland, the result will feel frustrating because they had the game under control for long periods and looked set for three points before the late collapse.