National hero after the goal in the 94th minute! Qatar royally rewards the man who wrote history at the World Cup
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Sunday, June 14, 2026, 7:53 p.m. / Updated Sunday, June 14, 2026, 7:53 p.m.
Boualem Khoukhi (35) became one of the most loved people in Qatar overnight after his dramatic extra-time goal against Switzerland that gave the country its first ever World Cup point. The international press claims that the defender will be rewarded according to his performance.
Khoukhi scored in the 90th + 4th minute of the match against Switzerland and settled the final score, 1-1, in a result already considered the biggest surprise of the start of the tournament.
3 million dollars and a Rolls-Royce Phantom for the hero of Qatar
According to the information published in the Arab press, the Public Investment Fund of Qatar decided to reward the Qatari international with 3 million dollars. In addition to the financial bonus, Khoukhi would also receive a Rolls-Royce Phantom luxury car, valued at around $550,000.
The goal scored against Switzerland has a special meaning for Qatari football. The defender's feat brought the first point in the national team's history at a World Cup and kept the Asian hosts' qualification hopes alive.
Khoukhi's goal goes down in World Cup history
Boualem Khoukhi's strike came on 93 minutes 59 seconds and is among the lateest ever World Cup equalizers.
According to statistics, only two equalizing goals have been scored later in modern editions of the tournament:
Qatar, level with rivals in the group
After the first stage, the situation in Group B is extremely balanced. Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada and Switzerland have one point each. The 2026 World Cup is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico and will conclude on July 19 after a total of 104 matches.
