Qatar take first World Cup point as Switzerland penalty controversy erupts

Qatar's national team wrote a new chapter Saturday, securing their first ever World Cup point with a draw against Switzerland. There is no scoreline in the sources, but the result is official and the significance is enormous. Three losses defined Qatar's 2022 campaign. Now they have something to build on.

Qatar hold Switzerland for first ever World Cup point

Your team made history Saturday. Qatar drew with Switzerland in their opening 2026 World Cup match, the first draw and first point the national team has ever taken at a World Cup finals (5).

This is a result that changes the conversation. After three straight losses at the 2022 tournament on home soil, Qatar have now shown they belong on this stage. The match was played this past weekend and the group is now wide open.

Penalty controversy mars Swiss equaliser

The historic point came with a side of anger. Remo Freuler scored from the spot for Switzerland after referee Mahmoud Abunada pointed to the spot, but the decision has triggered a furious reaction across the football world.

The key quote doing the rounds: "Dat is compleet belachelijk", that is completely ridiculous (6). The incident involved Breel Embolo and the penalty call, with many arguing it should never have been given.

FIFA weighs in on offside debate

FIFA has called the penalty decision correct despite an offside controversy in the buildup. The governing body addressed the situation directly, standing by the officials even as the debate rages (3).

Dutch referee Danny Makkelie is in the spotlight, with the incident drawing comparisons to similar controversial calls involving the United States, Netherlands and Japan matches at this tournament.

Khoukhi stripped of historic goal credit

FIFA has removed Khoukhi's name from the record as the scorer of Qatar's historic first World Cup goal (4). The authorship of that moment, a milestone every Qatari fan remembers, has been reassigned by the governing body. No further details on who now holds the record, but for supporters who celebrated that Khoukhi strike, this will sting.

Qatari referee Al Jassim gets Portugal–DR Congo

Abdulrahman Al Jassim has been appointed to officiate Portugal's friendly against DR Congo (1). This comes ahead of the bigger announcement: Al Jassim will also referee Portugal's opening match at the 2026 World Cup (2).

Rúben Dias and the Portuguese squad will see a familiar face. Al Jassim is one of Asia's most experienced officials and his stock continues to rise.