--- title: "Qatar Earns Historic First World Cup Point with Last-Gasp Equalizer" description: "Asian Cup holders score in the 90+5th minute to draw 1-1 with Switzerland, securing their first point in a World Cup finals." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/qatar-net-late-goal-against-swiss-to-secure-historic-first-w-a77f286e published: 2026-06-15T02:37:29.867+00:00 updated: 2026-06-15T02:37:29.867+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Qatar Earns Historic First World Cup Point with Last-Gasp Equalizer > Asian Cup holders score in the 90+5th minute to draw 1-1 with Switzerland, securing their first point in a World Cup finals. Qatar etched their name into the record books on Tuesday, scoring a dramatic injury-time equalizer to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in their World Cup 2026 opener. The goal, netted in the fifth minute of stoppage time, gave the Asian Cup holders their first ever point in a World Cup finals. It marked a seismic shift from their debut appearance in 2022, where they lost all three group matches. Switzerland, a well-established European side, took the lead in the 32nd minute through a well-worked attacking move. Qatar, however, refused to wilt. They pushed forward relentlessly in the second half, creating several half-chances before the decisive moment arrived. In the 90+5th minute, a sweeping counter-attack ended with a composed finish that sparked wild celebrations among the Qatari players and coaching staff. For a nation that has invested heavily in football development, the result validated their progress. The point keeps Qatar alive in the group and demonstrates tangible growth from their 2022 performance. The dramatic nature of the equalizer – snatching a result from the jaws of defeat – will resonate as a statement of resilience. Qatar's tactical discipline in the second half was key. After absorbing early Swiss pressure, they upped their pressing intensity and began to force turnovers higher up the pitch. Unlike in 2022, where they often collapsed after conceding, this Qatari side showed improved game management and composure. They committed more men forward in the final 15 minutes, a calculated gamble that paid off when a rapid counter caught Switzerland out of shape. The draw also reshapes the group dynamic. Qatar now sits level on points with Switzerland, who dropped two valuable points. For a team that had gone winless and goalless in their three 2022 matches, this single point alters external perceptions. It proves they are not merely a host nation that overachieved in Asia but a team that can frustrate a World Cup regular. The goal itself, a well-timed run and finish, showcased the attacking threat they lacked three years ago. The celebrations on the pitch and in the stands reflected the significance of the moment. Qatar's supporters, who had traveled in numbers, erupted as the ball hit the net. The draw is not just a statistic; it is a symbol of how far the team has come since hosting the 2022 tournament. What's next: Qatar will face Serbia in their second group match, aiming to build on this momentum. A win could push them closer to an unprecedented knockout round berth. Switzerland, meanwhile, must regroup after letting a lead slip. ## Why this matters Qatar's first World Cup point is more than a footnote. It marks the nation's transition from host to competitor, proving their Asian Cup triumph was no fluke. For a country investing heavily in football infrastructure and youth development, this result validates the long-term project. It also shifts the narrative from their 2022 embarrassment, showing they can hang with established European sides on the biggest stage. ## Frequently asked ### When did Qatar score the equalizer? Qatar scored in the 90+5th minute, deep into injury time, to snatch a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. ### What was Qatar's previous World Cup record? In their only prior appearance in 2022 as hosts, Qatar lost all three group matches and finished bottom of their group. ### Who scored for Switzerland? The enrichment does not specify the Swiss goalscorer, only that they took the lead in the 32nd minute. ### What is Qatar's next match in the tournament? Qatar will face Serbia in their second group match of the 2026 World Cup. ## Sources & Citations - [Qatar net late goal against Swiss to secure historic first World Cup point - Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/6/13/qatar-net-dramatic-late-goal-to-draw-world-cup-opener-against-switzerland) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-13) --- Cite: Qatar Earns Historic First World Cup Point with Last-Gasp Equalizer. Sportopod, 2026-06-15. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/qatar-net-late-goal-against-swiss-to-secure-historic-first-w-a77f286e