Qatar national football team star Akram Afif has confirmed that his side succeeded in achieving its primary objective by not leaving the match against Switzerland on the losing side, after the game ended 1-1 in the opening of the Maroon's 2026 World Cup campaign, noting that earning the first point in Qatar's World Cup history represents a significant achievement and a major source of motivation for the team.
Afif said after the match that he congratulated Qatari fans and thanked his fellow players and coaching staff for the enormous efforts they put in during the game, stressing that the match was extremely difficult against an opponent with vast international experience.
He explained that picking up a point at the start of the campaign gives the players additional motivation to perform at a higher level in their next two matches, pointing out that avoiding defeat in the opening game was of the utmost importance to prevent any negative psychological effects that could impact the team's performance throughout the tournament.
He added that the draw result has kept the competition wide open within the group, with all teams level on 1 point, which increases the importance of the upcoming fixtures and gives all sides equal opportunities to qualify.
Regarding the course of the match, Afif acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Swiss side, noting that the difference in experience was evident and that the plan relied on holding firm for as long as possible and attempting to exploit counter-attacks or snatch a goal in the final minutes.
The Qatar player described the result as positive, considering it strengthens the players' belief in their ability to compete in the tournament, while also expressing his desire to secure a win and collect 3 points in the next match, despite being aware of how difficult that task will be.
On the tactical side, Afif stressed that the priority for the team is to achieve positive results, regardless of style of play or defensive depth, affirming that all members of the squad feel proud and happy with what was accomplished in the opening fixture.
The player concluded his remarks by thanking Qatari fans who gave the team strong support despite the gruelling journey of roughly 16 hours, expressing his hope to continue making them happy in the matches ahead.
He also praised the organisational atmosphere inside the stadium, looking forward to the continuation of that special atmosphere in the upcoming matches at Canadian venues.