Qatar grab dramatic late equaliser to draw with Switzerland, claim first World Cup point
Asian Cup champion Qatar earned its first ever World Cup point with a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in the opening fixture. Substitute Almoez Ali scored the goal in São Paulo at the death of the match.
Qatar met Switzerland in São Paulo in the opening group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Switzerland, led by Granit Xhaka, went ahead in the 38th minute through Breel Embolo. Qatar, attending its first World Cup outside of a hosting role, equalised in the 90+3 minute through a header from substitute Almoez Ali. This was Qatar's first ever World Cup point, after losing all three matches as host in 2022.
Switzerland held 64% of possession but Qatar generated chances through quick counter-attacks. Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham was decisive, repelling six clear chances by the Swiss side. Qatar coach Marquez Lopez told the post-match press conference: 'This result shows our team's maturity, it keeps our knock-out chances alive.'
Switzerland will continue Group B play against Indonesia and Tunisia. Qatar plays Tunisia on Monday and needs a win to keep group-stage progression hopes alive. FIFA reported an opening-week stadium average occupancy of 96%.
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