2026 FIFA World Cup: Gregor Kobel stars for Switzerland but clean sheet denied

Switzerland opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Qatar on Saturday as Miro Muheim’s stoppage-time own goal denies them at the death.

Coming into the match, La Nati were heavy favorites to beat the Maroons, who have qualified for just their second FIFA World Cup in history.

On paper, Murat Yakin’s side absolutely dominated the game: they mustered 27 shots, of which 10 were on target while keeping 70% possession.

However, the Swiss were lacking in the killer finishing needed to put those chances away and went in front only through a penalty when Breel Embolo converted from 12 yards in 17th minute.

With Qatar not producing enough going forward, Switzerland retained their lead until the fourth minute of stoppage-time when disaster struck.

Left-back Homam Ahmed delivered a deep cross inside the box which Boualem Khoukhi lept to meet, but Swiss substitute Muheim, who was right in front of him, headed it into his own net.

Just like that, Qatar earned their first ever point at the FIFA World Cup while Switzerland, who had been in the driving seat for almost the entirety of the match, missed a chance at a win.

Gregor Kobel makes three saves

Borussia Dortmund custodian Gregor Kobel was in goal for Switzerland as Yakin started him ahead of Yvon Mvogo and Marvin Keller.

As Qatar launched a surprise attack in the second minute, the BVB ace was called into action for the first time, closing down Edmilson Junior to smother his effort by quickly coming off his line.

In the dying embers of the opening stanza, Kobel made another important save with his foot to deny Edmilson again, striking it away for a corner.

Following another save after the break, Kobel was almost sure of a clean sheet in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener but Muheim’s unfortunate own goal snatched it from him at the death.

Dortmund custodian proves his worth

Regardless of the mishap at the end, there’s no denying just how vital Gregor Kobel was to Switzerland here. He remained vigilant, came off his line whenever needed and made excellent distributions too.

The 28-year-old was a reliable figure between the sticks, keeping calm and composed even under nerve-wracking moments of Qatari pressure, just the figurehead the side needs in the World Cup games.

Kobel is likely to start again in their second group match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Thursday, 18 June too as Switzerland aim to pick up a win and boost their progression hopes from Group B after the shock result here.