Saturday's FIFA World Cup 2026 action delivered two entertaining contests as Qatar earned a historic first-ever World Cup point with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland, while Morocco once again proved they belong among the global elite by holding five-time champions Brazil to a draw.
Both matches ended 1-1, but the stories behind them could not have been more different.
Qatar Rescue a Point at the Death
Qatar finally ended their wait for a point at the FIFA World Cup after Boualem Khoukhi's injury-time header secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Group B.
The Gulf nation entered the tournament looking to erase memories of their disappointing home World Cup campaign in 2022, where they became the first host nation to lose all three group-stage matches.
For much of the contest, however, it looked as though history was set to repeat itself.
Switzerland dominated possession and created the better opportunities throughout the match at Levi's Stadium in California. Their breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo calmly converted from the penalty spot after being brought down by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.
The Swiss appeared in complete control for large periods and had several chances to extend their lead, but their inability to find a second goal eventually proved costly.
Qatar gradually grew into the game and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. In the fourth minute of added time, veteran defender Boualem Khoukhi rose highest to head home the equaliser and spark emotional celebrations among the Qatari players.
The goal secured a landmark result for Julen Lopetegui's side and ensured Qatar picked up their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup.
Morocco Continue to Impress on Biggest Stage
If Qatar's draw felt like a victory, Morocco's result against Brazil served as another reminder of the African side's growing stature in world football.
The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists produced another impressive display to hold tournament favourites Brazil to a 1-1 draw in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round.
Morocco started brightly and deservedly took the lead in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari. The PSV midfielder capitalised on a defensive lapse before delicately chipping Alisson Becker to stun the largely Brazilian crowd at MetLife Stadium.
The lead lasted only 11 minutes.
Brazil's response came through their biggest attacking threat, Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid forward combined brilliantly with Bruno Guimaraes before firing a powerful finish beyond Yassine Bounou to level the scores and register his 10th international goal.
While Brazil improved after the equaliser, Morocco remained organised and dangerous throughout, ensuring Carlo Ancelotti's side could not find a winner.
The draw extends Brazil's remarkable unbeaten record in World Cup opening matches to 21 games, although the five-time champions may view the result as a missed opportunity given the expectations surrounding their campaign.
FIFA World Cup What It Means
The results leave both Groups B and C finely poised after the opening round of matches.
In Group B, Switzerland and Qatar take a point each from an encounter the Europeans largely controlled but ultimately failed to finish off.
In Group C, Morocco's draw against Brazil throws the group wide open and reinforces the belief that the Atlas Lions can once again challenge the traditional powerhouses after their historic run to the semi-finals four years ago.
While Brazil avoided defeat, Morocco emerged with greater momentum, while Qatar walked away with a result that will be remembered as one of the most significant moments in the country's footballing history.
