Qatar managed to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their World Cup Group B opener held at Levi’s Stadium.
Breel Embolo’s penalty in the first half seemed to set Switzerland on course for a laborious victory, but Qatar’s captain Boualem Khoukhi found the net with a late header, earning the host nation their first point of the tournament—a goal later confirmed as an own goal by Miro Muheim.
While Switzerland enjoyed considerable fan support in Santa Clara, several empty seats were noticeable as the teams entered the stadium, which has a capacity of 69,000 and serves as the home ground for the San Francisco 49ers.
Following reports of numerous vacant seats during the Group A match between South Korea and Czechia in Guadalajara, FIFA maintained that the official attendance figure was accurate, emphasizing that “several ticket holders were observed standing in the concourse rather than remaining in their assigned seats throughout the game.”
Qatar, under the management of former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui, had an early opportunity to take a surprising lead when Edmílson Junior intercepted the ball from Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji but sent his shot directly at Gregor Kobel.
Dan Ndoye had a low shot saved by Qatar’s goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada before the Nottingham Forest forward fired another shot over the bar.
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Switzerland earned a penalty in the 13th minute when Remo Freuler capitalized on a header from Embolo and was tackled by Abunada, who required medical attention after the incident. Following a prolonged delay and a VAR review for offside, Embolo maintained his composure and converted the penalty, sending Abunada the wrong way.
Abunada later made an impressive reaction save from a shot by Rubén Vargas at his near post, and just before halftime, Michel Aebischer’s attempt was cleared off the line.
After the break, Switzerland continued to push forward, with captain Granit Xhaka sending a long-range effort over the bar. However, the relentless heat took its toll, slowing the game down as the next hydration break approached. With 15 minutes left in the match, Embolo hit the side netting, and substitute Johan Manzambi shot narrowly wide.
Switzerland’s failure to capitalize on their chances proved costly when a deep cross from left-back Homam Al Amin reached Khoukhi at the back post, who powered a header into the corner of the net—triggering ecstatic celebrations among his teammates and the Qatari bench.