By Daniel Akinte
In a stunning display, Qatar etched their name into the finals of World Cup history on June 13, 2026, securing their first-ever point in the tournament with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
The match unfolded as a testament to Qatar’s unwavering spirit gainst a formidable opponent.
The game, held at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, saw Switzerland dominate possession and launch a relentless assault on the Qatari goal.
The Swiss team recorded an astonishing 26 shots, the highest in their World Cup history since records began in 1966.
Despite this overwhelming offensive pressure, they managed to find the back of the net only once, through a penalty kick converted by Breel Embolo in the 17th minute.
As the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark, it seemed as though Switzerland would claim a hard-fought victory.
However, Qatar, refusing to yield, mounted a final, desperate attack.
In the 90th plus 4 minute of injury time, Boualem Khoukhi emerged as the hero for Qatar, scoring a sensational equalizer that sent shockwaves through the stadium.
This late strike not only salvaged a point for Qatar but also denied Switzerland a crucial win, leaving them to rue their missed opportunities despite their statistical dominance.
