Qatar secured their first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in a Group B opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Santa Clara on Saturday.
Switzerland took the lead in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo converted a penalty after a Video Assistant Referee review ruled in favor of the decision despite offside questions in the build-up. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada had fouled Remo Freuler, and Embolo scored his 25th international goal.
Qatar equalized in the 94th minute when veteran defender Boualem Khoukhi headed in a cross from Homam El Amin. The goal gave Qatar a historic result in their fourth World Cup appearance.
Gary Neville criticized FIFA on ITV for not showing VAR evidence for the offside check, calling the lack of transparency "ridiculous." Former referee Christina Unkel defended the technology but noted the decision was very tight.
Both teams are scheduled to play again on Thursday.
