Khoukhi Stoppage-Time Strike Rescues Qatar in 1-1 Draw With Switzerland

Boualem Khoukhi fired home a 94th-minute equaliser after Breel Embolo’s controversial first-half penalty had given Switzerland the lead in a thrilling Group B opener.

Qatar snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw with Switzerland at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, as Boualem Khoukhi’s stoppage-time equaliser cancelled out Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty in a thrilling Group B opener at the 2026 World Cup.

Switzerland struck first in the 17th minute after referee Saíd Martínez awarded a penalty following a heavy collision between Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada and Remo Freuler. Embolo stepped up and coolly slotted the spot kick past Abunada, who had otherwise produced a heroic performance.

The penalty decision drew intense debate. Replays suggested multiple Swiss players were caught in an offside position during the buildup, and fans and pundits questioned whether the spot kick should have been awarded. Despite the controversy, the goal stood, and Switzerland spent much of the match in control.

Qatar remained in the contest thanks almost entirely to their goalkeeper. Abunada pulled off seven critical saves throughout the match, denying relentless Swiss pressure and keeping his side within striking distance. Switzerland dominated possession with 70 percent and registered 27 shots, 10 of which were on target, while limiting Qatar to just six attempts. Swiss passing accuracy stood at 93 percent compared to Qatar’s 73 percent.

Deep into stoppage time, Qatar stunned the Swiss. In the 94th minute, Boualem Khoukhi fired home a dramatic equaliser, assisted by Homam Ahmed, to send the Qatari bench into delirium and secure a vital point.

According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Swiss veterans Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez set a new joint Swiss record by reaching 13 World Cup appearances. However, the result will feel like two points dropped for Switzerland, who dominated large stretches but could not find a second goal despite their overwhelming control.

With the draw, both teams sit level on one point alongside Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who also drew 1-1 on Friday. Group B remains completely open, with all four teams still in contention for a place in the Round of 32.

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on June 13, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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