Switzerland dominated for 90 minutes, created 26 shots, the most they have ever recorded in a World Cup match, and looked set for a winning start to their 2026 campaign. Then, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Miro Muheim turned a cross into his own net and handed Qatar a 1-1 draw that no one in the Swiss camp saw coming.
The match, played on Saturday, 13 June at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in front of 67,966 spectators, ended in a result that was as deflating for Switzerland as it was historically significant for Qatar, who secured the first World Cup point in their nation’s history.
Switzerland took the lead in the 17th minute, when Breel Embolo converted a penalty with characteristic composure, rolling the ball into the upper left corner of the net. The spot kick had been won after goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada fouled Embolo as he bore down on goal in the 13th minute, earning himself a yellow card in the process.
Embolo’s goal came just over a week after he had faced an anxious wait to enter the United States due to a visa issue, a subplot that had added unnecessary pre-tournament tension to the Swiss camp.
With the lead secured, Switzerland proceeded to dominate the contest. They finished the match with 26 shots, the most ever recorded by Switzerland in a World Cup game, a record going back to 1966, but carved out a series of opportunities without adding a second goal. Possession stood at 56% in Switzerland’s favour , and the Swiss were by far the superior side on every metric.
Qatar, managed by Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, dug in and defended resolutely. They had very little of the ball and managed only seven shots across the entire match.
Switzerland’s World Cup Gut-Punch
The equaliser, when it came, was a combination of pressure, quality and misfortune. In the 94th minute, Qatar wide player Homam Ahmed delivered a looping cross to the far post. Captain Boualem Khoukhi arrived to attack the ball with a powerful header, and under that challenge, Swiss left-back Miro Muheim redirected it into his own net.
FIFA later confirmed the goal as a Muheim own goal, though Khoukhi was widely credited with forcing it. It was the fourth-latest game-tying goal in regulation time in World Cup history.
The Qatar bench erupted. The Swiss were visibly stunned.
Group B Standings
The draw left Group B, which also contains co-host Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a state of perfect equality: all four teams have one point each after the opening round of matches. Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also drew 1-1 on the same day.
Switzerland’s next group stage fixture will be a crucial test. A win against Canada or Bosnia, both stronger opponents on paper than Qatar, will be essential if the Swiss are to advance from a group that, after one round, offers no clear favourite.
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