World Cup 2026: Qatar steals 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Boualem Khoukhi's late goal in extra time

Under hot conditions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., Switzerland appeared on its way to winning its 2026 World Cup opener over Qatar that was more of a one-sided effort than the score might indicate.

But six minutes of added time made a crucial difference.

Boualem Khoukhi headed in a crossing pass from Ahmed Al-Ganehi in the fifth minute of stoppage time to stun Switzerland for a 1-1 tie in a match that the Swiss controlled from nearly start to finish. Instead, Qatar steals a point in Group B play.

Switzerland struck first at 17′ with Breel Embolo scoring on a penalty kick with the Swiss fans seated behind the goal. The kick resulted from a foul on Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, called for a collision in the penalty area with Switzerland’s Remo Freuler.

Embolo’s goal was Switzerland’s first penalty kick attempt, and thus first penalty kick goal, in the nation’s FIFA World Cup history excluding shootouts, according to ESPN stats and research.

The forward had a chance at a second goal in extra time of the first half. He stole a pass at midfield and attempted to get the ball to Michel Aebischer near the top of the box. However, with so much space to cover, Qatar’s defense was able to get back and help Abunada protect the net. Embolo couldn’t get a shot off.

Before allowing the tying goal, the only mistake that Switzerland arguably made was with its lime-green kits that confused fans and viewers expecting the Swiss to be outfitted with the same red that its supporters wore in the stands. The color of the kits is inspired by the new Swiss passports.

Qatar nearly got an easy scoring chance early on at the 5′ mark when Swiss defender Manuel Akanji carelessly let the ball get by him. Edmílson Junior pounced on the loose ball and had a one-on-one opportunity versus goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Kobel met Edmílson as he approached, perhaps preventing the Qatari forward from not getting very much on a toe jab. The ball got past Kobel, but just barely. That allowed Kobel to stop the ball between his legs.

Edmílson got another opportunity for a goal near the end of the first half. At 44′, he beat the defender toward the near post and fired off a shot. But with little space to defend near the post, Kobel kicked the attempt out of bounds.

Qatar missing its early scoring chance felt especially important as Switzerland controlled the ball throughout the first half, pressuring the play past midfield. That continued in the second half with sharp passing (91% accuracy) keeping the ball away from the Qatari forwards.

The shot disparity between the two teams might be the best demonstration of how much the Swiss dominated. Switzerland tallied 23 shots, with seven of them on goal, while Qatar managed only five (but two on net).

Switzerland will next face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group B play on Thursday from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. at 3 p.m. ET. Qatar faces Canada at 6 p.m. ET at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, also on Thursday.