FIFA WC 2026: Khoukhi's Later-Leveller Helps Qatar Steal Draw Vs Switzerland

Published 13 June 2026 · sports

FIFA WC 2026: Khoukhi's Later-Leveller Helps Qatar Steal Draw Vs Switzerland Published By, Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 02:44 IST Boualem Khoukhi's stoppage-time strike cancelled

FIFA WC 2026: Khoukhi's Later-Leveller Helps Qatar Steal Draw Vs Switzerland Published By, Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 02:44 IST Boualem Khoukhi's stoppage-time strike cancelled out Breel Embolo's opener from the spot, as Switzerland were left ruing the multiple chances they failed to convert. Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi, left, and Switzerland's Breel Embolo fight for the ball during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Qatar and Switzerland in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Qatar managed to salvage a draw against Switzerland in their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign opener at the San Franciso Bay Arena Stadium in their Group B encounter on Sunday.

Boualem Khoukhi’s stoppage-time strike cancelled out Breel Embolo’s opener from the spot in the first half, as Switzerland were left ruing the multiple chances they failed to convert. Embolo’s spot kick was the first ever Switzerland have been awarded in their 13 editions at the quadrennial spectacle, and the Swiss striker made no mistake from close range to put his side ahead. Switzerland held the advantage for a majority of the game and seemed to have incredible value for it, but they failed to put the game to rest as they fluffed a swathe of chances that came their way throughout the game.

Qatar, who seemed to have withdrawn into a shell to hold the attacking Swiss at bay, remained resolute in maintaining their shape as they managed to remain in the game and give themselves a chance of a comeback. And their perseverance paid off as Khoukhi headed the ball into the back of the net in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time to help Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui mark his WC managerial debut with a point. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: United States of America (USA) First Published: June 14, 2026, 02:44 IST News sports football FIFA WC 2026: Khoukhi's Later-Leveller Helps Qatar Steal Draw Vs Switzerland Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.

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