Qatar stuns Switzerland as late own goal delivers historic World Cup point

Qatar secured a landmark moment in its football history after a dramatic late equalizer earned the Gulf nation a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their World Cup opener Saturday.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Miro Muheim, under pressure from Boualem Khoukhi, inadvertently headed Homam Ahmed’s cross into his own net in the 94th minute.

The goal erased Switzerland’s advantage and sparked extraordinary celebrations as Qatar claimed its first-ever World Cup point.

The result also left Group B completely unsettled, with every team sitting on one point after co-hosts Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina also played to a 1-1 draw.

Qatar turns disappointment into a defining moment

Four years after their first World Cup appearance ended in disappointment with three defeats on home soil, Qatar produced a performance built on resilience and determination.

The entire squad rushed onto the field after Muheim’s unfortunate header flew past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, creating a moment of celebration that will remain one of the country’s most memorable football achievements.

For head coach Julen Lopetegui, the result also marked a significant milestone in his first World Cup match in charge.

“We achieved one dream when we arrived here, to be here, and now today is another little dream,” Lopetegui said.

“And we have the right to continue having the dream.”

Switzerland takes control but fails to finish

Switzerland looked in command for much of the contest, creating chance after chance but repeatedly failing to put Qatar away.

The European side registered 26 attempts on goal compared with Qatar’s seven, but their dominance did not translate into victory.

The opening goal arrived in the 17th minute after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada collided with Remo Freuler inside the penalty area.

Freuler had moved onto a header from Breel Embolo and attempted to guide the ball toward goal before being taken down by the advancing goalkeeper.

Referee Saíd Martínez awarded the penalty after a lengthy VAR review, and Embolo calmly converted from the spot.

Abunada, who received a yellow card for the challenge, could only watch as Switzerland moved ahead.

Missed opportunities keep Qatar alive

Switzerland continued threatening after taking the lead, with Dan Ndoye among those unable to capitalize on promising opportunities.

Michel Aebischer also came close late in the first half, but his effort was cleared off the line during stoppage time.

Qatar struggled to create consistent attacking pressure, with star forward Akram Afif tightly marked throughout much of the match.

However, the Asian champions nearly found an equalizer before halftime when Afif finally escaped down the wing and created a chance for Edmilson, whose first-time effort was denied by Kobel.

Defensive wall holds before late drama

The second half became a battle of patience.

Qatar dropped deeper, defending in organized lines and frustrating a Swiss side searching for a second goal.

A series of substitutions from both teams failed to significantly change the rhythm, and Switzerland appeared to be heading toward a deserved victory.

Then came the decisive moment.

Ahmed delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the area, Khoukhi attacked the ball, and Muheim’s attempted defensive intervention sent the header beyond his own goalkeeper.

Suddenly, Qatar had its historic point.

Different emotions as teams look ahead

While Qatar celebrated, Switzerland was left to reflect on missed chances and a costly failure to close out the match.

Captain Granit Xhaka and veteran defender Ricardo Rodríguez had moved into a record 13th World Cup appearance for Switzerland, surpassing Xherdan Shaqiri, but the occasion ended with frustration.

Switzerland will next face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Los Angeles Stadium, while Qatar heads north to Vancouver to meet Canada.

For Qatar, though, the night belonged to belief.

The result was not just a draw.