Julián Quiñones Nominated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Best XI
Mexico's journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended earlier than fans had hoped, but one of its players earned a distinction no Mexican footballer had achieved before.
Julián Quiñones was included among the 28 nominees for the FIFA World Cup Best XI, a shortlist created by FIFA before the final team was selected through fan voting.
Although the Mexican forward was ultimately not included in the final Best XI, earning a place among the nominees is already a remarkable achievement. His name appeared alongside stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Mikel Oyarzabal, highlighting the outstanding tournament he enjoyed with El Tri.
A World Cup That Confirmed His Quality
From the opening match, it became clear that Quiñones would be Mexico's main attacking threat.
The striker scored Mexico's first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the opening victory over South Africa at Estadio Ciudad de México, giving El Tri the perfect start to its home tournament.
He then found the net against Czechia in the group stage, scored again versus Ecuador in the Round of 32, and closed his tournament with another goal against England in the Round of 16.
By the end of the competition, Quiñones had recorded four goals, one assist, and five direct goal contributions, making him the most productive attacking player from Concacaf at the tournament.
Beyond the numbers, he was the player Mexico turned to whenever the team needed a decisive moment in attack.
He Missed the Final XI, but Made History
The final FIFA World Cup Best XI did not include Julián Quiñones.
The attacking positions went to Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland, three of the tournament's biggest stars and leading goal scorers.
The competition was extraordinary.
That, however, does not diminish the significance of Quiñones' nomination.
Being recognized among the 28 best players at a World Cup means his performances were acknowledged beyond Mexico's overall results. Quiñones earned a place in a conversation dominated by world champions, Golden Boot contenders, and some of the greatest players in football.
He may not have made the final team.
But he did earn a place among the nominees.
A Historic Achievement for Mexico
Throughout World Cup history, Mexico has produced several iconic players.
Antonio Carbajal became the first footballer ever to appear in five World Cups. Hugo Sánchez arrived as one of Europe's biggest stars. Jorge Campos revolutionized the goalkeeper position with his unique style. Rafael Márquez also played in five World Cups and became one of El Tri's greatest leaders, while Guillermo Ochoa delivered unforgettable performances, particularly against Brazil in 2014.
Yet none of them had ever been nominated for an official FIFA World Cup Best XI.
That is why Quiñones' nomination represents such an important milestone for Mexican football.
It is not only an individual honor, but also proof that a Mexico forward competed alongside the biggest stars of the tournament.
A World Cup That Could Change His Career
Although Mexico fell short of its ultimate objective, the tournament significantly enhanced Julián Quiñones' reputation.
His ability to deliver in crucial matches, attack space, play with his back to goal, and finish inside the penalty area established him as one of the competition's most complete forwards.
He did not make the final Best XI.
Even so, his nomination confirmed what became evident throughout the tournament.
Julián Quiñones is no longer just Mexico's attacking leader.
He can now proudly say he was among the players considered for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Best XI.
