Qatar 1-1 Switzerland: 2026 FIFA World Cup Match Report & Player Ratings

Qatar 1-1 Switzerland: Swiss Stunned At The Death By Last-Minute Header

There was an early chance for a shock lead as Qatar pounced on a Swiss mistake at the back in the opening two minutes, with winger Edmilson Junior being presented with an opportunity to finish past the Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, but the Borussia Dortmund stopper made himself big and was able to stop the effort.

Just minutes later at the other end Nottingham Forest's Dan Ndoye, who has not scored for the club since October, got in behind on the right side of the Swiss penalty area and fired a low effort towards the far post, but the strike was well kept out by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.

And it didn't take long for Switzerland to carve out another big chance at goal, 33 year-old stalwart left-back Ricardo Rodriguez overlapped winger Ruben Vargas on the left-hand side, and a low cross found Ndoye in the centre of the penalty area but the forward couldn't keep his effort down as his first-time strike flew over.

The Swiss early dominance however was rewarded a quarter of an hour into the contest, with a through ball seeing midfielder Remo Freuler steal in behind and clatter into the goalkeeper, resulting in a penalty being awarded despite a suspicion of offside.

Breel Embolo converts 🥶

Switzerland score from the spot! pic.twitter.com/KddRwjB2Yo

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 13, 2026

Breel Embolo stepped and confidently slotted his spot-kick into the bottom left corner, giving his side a deserved lead for a front-footed start which saw three shots on target in the opening 17 minutes of the contest.

After that early dominance, Qatar regrouped and was able to shut down any potiential Switzerland attacks for the remainder of the half. In fact, Qatar would have a big chance for an equaliser as Edmilson again saw an effort kept out by Kobel on the half-turn meeting a low cross as the goalkeeper used his feet to divert the first-time shot out for a corner.

There was time for once more big chance for Switzerland to make it two, as an effort from Swiss midfielder Michel Aebischer was blocked off the line after being set up by Embolo.

Half-Time Qatar 0-1 Switzerland

Swiss dominance was again the theme of the early stages of the second period, with Abunada being called into action again, this time pushing over a long-ranged effort from Swiss captain Granit Xhaka, with the ex-Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder letting fly with a powerful strike from distance.

Xhaka again came close midway through the half, with the experienced captain seeing the ball layed off towards him on the edge of the penalty area following a short corner. Xhaka struck it first time, aiming to whip the ball towards the far corner, however the shot just curled wide of the post.

Vargas, who had proved to be dangerous all game, was presented with the best opportunity of the half 75 minutes into the total action, being played in on the left side of the box and having space to try and curl the ball into the bottom corner, however his shot was slightly too close to Abunada who kept it out with a solid stop. Before Embolo saw himself played in right after, managing to get the ball past the Qatar goalkeeper who rushed out, but also just the wrong side of the post from a tight angle.

Qatar remained firm and nearly snatched an equaliser in the final minutes of the 90, with a fast break ending with forward Alaadin firing an effort at goal, however it was comfortably saved by Kobel.

But just when it lookedl ike Switzerland were about to stroll to victory, disaster struck as a cross from Qatar in the 94th minute, just two away from the six added, was met by 35 year-old centre back Boualem Khoukhi who had ventured upfield in search of an equaliser, met the cross with a bullet header which went past Kobel and into the net to stun Switzerland and send fans, staff and players of Qatar wild in celebration

QATAR LEVEL IT LATE 🇶🇦

Boualem Khoukhi makes Switzerland pay for their missed chances! pic.twitter.com/YLTqVzPgkE

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 13, 2026

The second half saw an obvious drop-off in intensity, perhaps due to the midday heat in San Francisco. And despite not having their shooting boots on, but the late, late show from Qatar saw a potentially huge point earned as Switzerland will be left kicking themselves.

Full-TIme: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Player Ratings

Qatar Ratings

• Abunada (GK): 7

• Al Oui: 5

• Miguel: 6

• Khoukhi: 7

• Elamin: 6

• Laye: 6

• Madibo: 5

• Gabar: 5

• Junior: 6

• Abdurisag: 5

• Afif: 6

Switzerland Ratings

• Kobel (GK): 6

• Zakaria: 7

• Elvedi: 7

• Akanji: 7

• Rodriguez: 7

• Xhaka: 7

• Freuler: 6

• Aebischer: 7

• Vargas: 8

• Embolo: 8

• Ndoye: 6

Player Of The Match: Mahmoud Abunada

He may have conceded the penalty, but Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada was on top form in between the sticks for his side. Making a strong save in the early stages, before making a number of impressive inteentions throughout the contest following the opening goal to keep the score at 1-0. In total, six saves were made including three punches, two high claims and eight recoveies in an impressive goalkeeping performance.

And eventually, his efforts were rewarded as his side stole a point in the final minutes.