Khoukhi Equalised in 90+4: Qatar Took Historic Point

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B opening match, Qatar and Switzerland faced each other at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi's Stadium) and the match ended 1-1. In the final minutes of the match, the historic header by Boualem Khoukhi brought Qatar their first point in World Cup history. Qatar, who lost all three matches as hosts in 2022, made a start with a shocking result in the tournament they returned to after four years. The match was officiated by Honduran referee Said Martinez.

The opening goal of the match came in the 17th minute from a Switzerland penalty. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada received a yellow card after his intervention on Remo Freuler in the penalty area, and a penalty was given in favour of Switzerland. Breel Embolo sent the ball to the bottom-left corner with a composed shot and dropped Abunada to the wrong side, putting his team 1-0 ahead. This went down as Switzerland's first goal scored from a penalty in World Cup history. The first half ended with this score and Switzerland closed the half 1-0 ahead.

Throughout the second half, Switzerland continued to establish dominance over its opponent in possession and shot production. The team under Murat Yakin's management took 27 shots during the match and sent 10 of them on goal; however, they could not manage to open the gap. In the 77th minute, Ruben Vargas and Breel Embolo could not get past Abunada in successive positions. In the 86th minute, Embolo once again could not capitalise on the open position. These missed opportunities cost Switzerland dearly at the end of the match. In the 89th minute, Yakin made his last substitution and brought Miro Muheim on for Ricardo Rodriguez.

Dramatic moments were experienced in the 90+4th minute of the match. Boualem Khoukhi rose to the cross sent from the left flank by Homam Ahmed (Homam El Amin) and sent his powerful header over Muheim to the top-right corner of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Khoukhi, Qatar's captain and central defender, gave his country the first goal and first point joy in World Cup history. The match ended with this score 1-1. Qatar under Julen Lopetegui's management reached 1 point in Group B with the goal coming in the last minute; the race started openly together with Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina who have the same point. Switzerland left with only 1 point despite its dominant game, and plans in the group competition became difficult.

Statistics clearly showed Switzerland's pressure: Qatar took 6 shots against 27. Possession was 75% to 25% in favour of Switzerland. Yellow cards: 16' Mahmud Abunada (Qatar), 23' Jassim Gaber (Qatar), 43' Denis Zakaria (Switzerland). In Group B, Qatar's next match is against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Wednesday, June 17; Switzerland will face Canada on Friday, June 19.

Image: telegraph.co.uk