Qatar Earns First World Cup Point, but FIFA's Offside Technology Raises Question Marks

Qatar had never before earned a point at a World Cup, but all that changed in their game against Switzerland. The Gulf team scored in the 94th minute to earn a 1-1 draw, their first ever point at a World Cup.

The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this result will surely be one of the talking points of the tournament. Qatar, ranked 50th in the world, held their own against the 19th-ranked Swiss team, denying Switzerland a victory and achieving the first notable surprise result of the tournament.

There was plenty of confusion surrounding the game's opening goal, with Switzerland's Breel Embolo scoring from a penalty in the 17th minute. However, many people watching the game on TV were surprised, as replays seemed to suggest that Switzerland's Remo Freuler was offside before being clattered by Qatar's goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada.

FIFA uses technology to help assist in the officials' decision-making, but in this case, the technology failed to show the correct onside animation graphic, leading to confusion among fans worldwide.

The result has huge implications for Group B, with all four teams now on one point. Canada, who drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener, will be confident of securing their nation's first victory in a World Cup finals when they face Qatar on Thursday in Vancouver.

The Swiss team will be looking to bounce back from this setback and will face Qatar again in their next game in Vancouver. The winner of Group B could play their last-32 game on Canadian soil against one of the tournament's third-placed finishers.

A packed Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, witnessed this historic draw, with fans from both Switzerland and Qatar turning out in numbers to support their teams. The fans in the upper stands, who faced the scorching sun, did well to endure the punishing conditions.

This tournament was always going to be a different experience for Qatar, without the pressures or advantages of hosting. They remain on paper the weakest team in Group B, but will gain huge confidence from this result.

The Canadians will have been watching this game very carefully, and it's clear that they will be eager to take advantage of Qatar's surprise draw to secure their first World Cup finals victory.

This match could go a long way to deciding who tops Group B and plays their last-32 game on Canadian soil against one of the tournament's third-placed finishers. The second-placed team from this section go to Los Angeles to play the runners-up from Group A (potentially South Korea or Mexico), so there is extra motivation for Canada to chase first place.

The outcome of this group will be crucial for Canada's chances of advancing to the next round. This draw has given them new life and has raised hopes that they can secure a spot in the round of 32.