Qatar secured its first-ever point in a FIFA World Cup final match on Saturday after staging a late comeback against Switzerland in the 2026 tournament. The match, held in North America, saw Boualem Khoukhi score a stoppage-time equalizer, allowing the host nation to draw 1-1 with a favored Swiss side.

Switzerland initially took the lead through a penalty early in the first half, putting pressure on Qatar to respond. Despite trailing for much of the match, Qatar demonstrated resilience and determination, culminating in Khoukhi’s dramatic injury-time goal that ignited celebrations among local fans.

In Qatar, football enthusiasts closely followed the game through live broadcasts at various public venues, including malls and private screenings. Noble International School in Wukair South, the alma mater of Qatar national team member Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, organized a large-scale viewing event that attracted hundreds of attendees. The atmosphere was lively and communal, bringing together families, students, and community members eager to support the national team.

Mashoud VC, a social activist affiliated with Noble International School, praised the team’s performance, highlighting the goalkeeper’s crucial saves and the attacking persistence that resulted in the equalizer. He also noted the significance of Jamshid’s involvement with the squad, describing his presence as an inspiration for current students and the broader community. The school plans to continue hosting screenings for all upcoming Qatar matches, particularly during the knockout stages.

The result marked a significant milestone for Qatar, which is making only its second World Cup appearance following its debut as the tournament host in 2022, where it failed to earn any points. Veteran football coach Hanson K viewed the draw as a morale booster, emphasizing the national team's growth and capacity to challenge higher-ranked opponents. He described the outcome as “more of a victory than a draw” given the relative strengths of the two teams.

Longtime football fan Sasisdharan Pillai echoed the sentiment, calling the result a testament to perseverance and highlighting the impact of Qatar’s late goal on the momentum moving forward. For Switzerland, the dropped points were a setback after what had appeared to be a controlled performance for the majority of the match.

The draw leaves Qatar with renewed confidence as the tournament progresses, with supporters hopeful that the team can build on their spirited performance against a European competitor.