14 Jun 2026
Mahmoud Abunada was voted as FIFA’s ‘Superior Player of the Match’ by fans as Qatar earned its first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup, as they drew 1-1 with Switzerland in San Francisco.
The goalkeeper, who graduated from the Academy with the 11th batch in 2018, put on an eye-catching display, denying Switzerland on several occasions during the Group B encounter.
The Al-Rayyan keeper’s performance came on the back of being named the Qatar Football Association’s Goalkeeper of the Season in May.
He made several outstanding saves, and the only time he was beaten was by a spot kick from Breel Embolo when Switzerland were awarded a controversial penalty.
After going behind, Qatar kept pushing for an equaliser, with Abunada remaining resolute as the last line of defence, and they were rewarded in injury time at the end of the match.
It looked like Qatar captain Boualem Khouki headed home to make it 1-1, but the goal was later credited as an own goal by Swiss defender Miro Muheim.
In all six Aspire Academy graduates started the match, with Abunada joined on the teamsheet by Homam Ahmed El Amin, Assim Madibo, Jassem Gaber, Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdurisag.
Qatar continue their campaign at the World Cup when they play co-hosts Canada on 19 June, before completing their Group B games against Bosnia-Herzegovina, 6 days later.