Julian Quinones Scores First Goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Colombia-born forward, now a naturalised Mexican international, gives the hosts El Tri the lead in the opening match at the Estadio Azteca.
Mexican forward Julián Quinones scored the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, finding the net in the 9th minute of the inaugural match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The strike was the 2,721st goal in World Cup history, recorded across 965 matches, according to FIFA data.
THE PLAY THAT BROUGHT THE GOAL
The 29-year-old forward capitalised on an unintended pass from teammate Erik Lira, who reacted first after a defensive mistake from South Africa and recovered the ball near the edge of the box. The loose ball fell to Quiñones, who drove in from the right, cut inside, settled himself, and fired a strike from the edge of the area past goalkeeper Rowen Williams.
The iconic Estadio Azteca erupted in celebration as the hosts, El Tri, took the lead through the former Atlas and Club América forward. His teammates rushed to celebrate with him, while the stands of the three-time World Cup venue turned into a full-blown party atmosphere.
The error from the Bafana Bafana came after goalkeeper Williams played a short pass into the centre to Sphephelo Sithole, who failed to notice Lira closing in, allowing Mexico to pounce and take control.
QUINONES, REWARDED FOR HIS JOURNEY
The top scorer in the Saudi Pro League — the same competition featuring Cristiano Ronaldo — was born in Colombia but became a naturalised Mexican international on October 11, 2023, a decision that drew criticism both inside and outside Mexico.
Quiñones has been linked with Mexican football since arriving in 2015, when he joined Tigres UANL. He initially played for the reserve side and later had a spell in the second division with Venados de Mérida in 2016, where he made his professional debut.
From there, he rose to prominence in Liga MX with newly promoted Lobos BUAP, before going on to represent Tigres, Atlas, and Club América. He won league titles with all three, but it was at Atlas where he enjoyed his peak, becoming a key figure in their historic back-to-back championship triumph.
In total, he collected 11 trophies in Mexico, including six league titles, earning a move abroad.
After joining Saudi side Al-Qadisiyah in 2024, Quiñones continued his prolific form in the Middle East, thriving in one of the league’s most competitive environments. Despite his performances, he was a late inclusion by national team coach Javier Aguirre, having previously been overlooked in key moments despite being part of squads for the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League, the 2024 Copa América in the United States, and the 2025 Gold Cup.
