Qatar 1-1 Switzerland: B. Embolo converts a penalty, M. Muheim own goal changes the score late

In the opening round of the 2026 World Cup group stage, Qatar and Switzerland finished 1-1 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The match shifted from a Swiss lead in the first half to an equalizer for Qatar in the 90th minute, leaving both sides with one point.

In the 16th minute, Qatar’s Mahmud Abunada was booked; in the same minute, Switzerland were awarded a VAR-confirmed penalty, with the event line recorded for Remo Freuler. In the 17th minute, B. Embolo scored from the spot with no assist credited, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead. Jassem Gaber Abdulsallam was booked in the 23rd minute, and Denis Zakaria received a yellow card in the 42nd minute. At halftime, Qatar trailed Switzerland 0-1.

The score did not change again until the closing stages of the second half. In the 90th minute, M. Muheim scored an own goal, which was counted for Qatar and made it 1-1. The match ended Qatar 1-1 Switzerland.

Across the full match, Qatar had 32% possession and Switzerland 68%; expected goals (xG) were 0.60 for Qatar and 3.20 for Switzerland; shots were 6 for Qatar and 26 for Switzerland, with 3 on target for Qatar and 7 for Switzerland; passing accuracy was 72% for Qatar and 91% for Switzerland; corners were 3 for Qatar and 10 for Switzerland; offsides were 0 for Qatar and 1 for Switzerland; saves were 5 for Qatar and 3 for Switzerland; fouls were 12 for Qatar and 11 for Switzerland.

Looking ahead, Qatar will face Canada away in the second round of the group stage on 2026-06-18. Qatar are currently third in Group B, with 1 match played, 0 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 1 point, and a goal difference of 0. Switzerland will host Bosnia in the second round of the group stage on 2026-06-18. Switzerland are currently first in Group B, with 1 match played, 0 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 1 point, and a goal difference of 0, and are currently in the official qualification zone for the Round of 32.