Qatar produced late drama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after scoring in stoppage time to earn a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in an intense Group B encounter.
Switzerland looked set to begin their campaign with all three points after taking an early lead through Breel Embolo, whose 17th-minute penalty separated both sides for most of the contest.
The Swiss controlled large periods of the first half and successfully protected their advantage heading into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Despite trailing, Qatar refused to back down and pushed forward in search of an equaliser as the match entered its closing stages.
Their persistence finally paid off in dramatic fashion deep into stoppage time.
Defender Boualem Khoukhi emerged as the hero, finding the back of the net in the fourth minute of added time to spark celebrations and snatch a valuable point.
The late strike denied Switzerland what had appeared to be a winning start and ensured Qatar avoided defeat in a game that looked to be slipping away.
The result leaves both teams sharing the points in Group B and sets up an intriguing battle heading into their next World Cup fixtures.