Qatar salvaged a point in their World Cup Group B debut, drawing 1‑1 with Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium. Breel Embelo converted a first‑half penalty to give the Swiss an early lead, but captain Boualem Khoukhi rose for a last‑minute header that levelled the score. Attendance appeared lower than capacity, with many seats empty despite a reported crowd of around 55,000. Fans noted the sparse sections as a concern for future matches.

Switzerland created several chances after the break, with Granit Xhaka striking from distance and Johan Manzambi rattling a header wide, yet goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada kept his side in the game with a series of reflex saves. Defensive lapses allowed a cross from left‑back Homam Al Amin to find Khoukhi, whose finish sparked jubilant celebrations on the Qatar bench.

Both coaches faced early tests; Julen Lopetegui’s Qatar showed resilience despite conceding early, while Murat Yakin’s Swiss side missed several clear opportunities that could have secured three points. With the group still wide open, the draw keeps Qatar alive for a possible upset and forces Switzerland to regroup if they hope to advance. Their next fixture pits Switzerland against Ecuador, a test of defensive solidity.