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Qatar claims first-ever World Cup point with dramatic stoppage-time equaliser

Qatar's Pedro Miguel celebrates teammate Boualem Khoukhi's goal during the World Cup match between Qatar and Switzerland in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco.
Qatar's Pedro Miguel celebrates teammate Boualem Khoukhi's goal during the World Cup match between Qatar and Switzerland in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco. Copyright  Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Copyright Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By Peter Barabas and Euronews Doha bureu
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Qatar secured its first ever World Cup point with a draw against Switzerland, sparking celebrations at home and across the Arab world.

Qatar celebrated long into the night after claiming the first World Cup point in the nation's history, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland in San Francisco.

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Miro Muheim inadvertently headed into his own net in the 94th minute under pressure from Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi, rescuing a point for Al-Annabi, who weathered sustained Swiss pressure throughout much of the match.

Credit also goes to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, who produced a series of crucial saves to keep Qatar in the contest. He was named man of the match for his performance.

At the final whistle, an exhausted Abunada dropped to the pitch before joining his teammates, manager Julen Lopetegui and coaching staff to celebrate a historic result.

Celebrations across Qatar and the Arab world

The late equaliser sparked jubilant scenes among Qatar supporters inside the stadium, while celebrations spread across Qatar and the wider Arab world.

"Congratulations to our brothers in Qatar, a well-deserved celebration for all Arabs, from the Atlantic to the Gulf. Al-Anabi fought until the very last moment and secured a precious point with the spirit of champions," read one message posted on X from Saudi Arabia.

Group B wide open

Qatar's Pedro Miguel celebrates teammate Boualem Khoukhi's goal during the World Cup football.match between Qatar and Switzerland
Qatar's Pedro Miguel celebrates teammate Boualem Khoukhi's goal during the World Cup football.match between Qatar and Switzerland Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The result means all four teams in Group B are level on one point after Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also drew in Toronto on Friday.

With everything still to play for, the race for the knockout stages remains wide open heading into the second round of group fixtures.

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