Qatar 1-1 Switzerland
Goals: 0-1 Embolo (pen) 17’, 1-1 Khoukhi 90’+4 (assist: El Amin)
This is only Qatar's second-ever World Cup appearance, having exited the 2022 tournament as hosts without a single point. Switzerland, by contrast, were making their 13th appearance at a World Cup finals, and arrived in California having topped their UEFA qualifying group unbeaten, conceding just two goals in six matches.
The Swiss boasted a strong contingent of Bundesliga players, including Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, and captain Granit Xhaka, who won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24. Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, while Switzerland, under Murat Yakin, deployed a 3-4-3 system.
