Qatar delivers first stunner of 2026 World Cup with tie vs. Switzerland

The result could haunt Switzerland depending on what happens during the rest of the group stage action. With 32 teams moving on to the knockout stage, it can certainly rebound and go on a deep run, but squandering a match like this is a bad omen.

Per Fotmob, the Swiss dominated ball control (68 percent) and had 26 total shots — to Qatar's seven — while finishing the match with 3.24 expected goals. Qatar had 0.76.

The Maroons qualified for the 2026 World Cup by finishing atop Group A in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers, going 10-5-3 overall. The Red Crosses, meanwhile, cruised to a first-place finish in Group B of UEFA World Cup qualifiers, outscoring opponents by 12 goals to make the 48-team field.

Entering Saturday, Switzerland, which was 1-1-2 in four friendlies before the World Cup, ranked No. 19 in FIFA's team rankings, while Qatar was No. 56.

Few could have predicted the stunning outcome prior to the match, and it's even more perplexing considering how much better the Swiss were for the majority of the 90 minutes. Even with the overwhelming advantage, the standings show all four teams in Group B are equal.

Switzerland squandered a chance to take early command of the group. Instead, it's up for grabs after the first set of matches. Based on Saturday's surprise, we can expect the unexpected going forward.