Qatar v Switzerland: World Cup 2026 – live

Kick-off in the San Francisco Bay Area took place in hot conditions as the teams walked out to Alan Parsons' "Sirius" and a number of empty seats. The early opening moments were subdued: Embolo had a shot blocked, then Edmilson was presented with a golden chance after an Akanji error, only for Swiss keeper Kobel to come to the rescue.

The VAR team – a Mexican and Uruguayan squad – was shown on the big screen. Familiar formations were expected, with Qatar set up as a 4-3-3 and Switzerland listed as a 4-2-3-1, though early play suggested the Swiss were using a back four in an attacking shape. The match referee is Hector Martinez of Honduras.

Qatar named Abunada, Al Oui, Ro Ro, Khouki, Ahmed, Gaber, Madibo, Laye, Junior, Abdurisag and Afif in the starting XI, with subs including Zakaria, Barsham, Lucas Mendes, Hatem and Al Haydos. Switzerland started Kobel, Zakaria, Akanji, Elvedi, Aebischer, Freuler, Xhaka, Rodriguez, Ndoye, Vargas and Embolo, with a bench featuring Mvogo, Keller, Muheim, Widmer, Manzambi and others.

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