Mexico forward Julian Quinones etched his name into World Cup history by scoring the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the tournament’s opening match against South Africa national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The hosts made a dream start in front of their home supporters as Quinones capitalised on a defensive error from South Africa before calmly slipping the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The opening fixture revived memories of the 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser, when South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala stunned Mexico with a memorable strike to score the first goal of that tournament. Sixteen years later, it was Mexico celebrating the breakthrough goal in the competition’s opening game.
Quinones’ ninth-minute effort also marked the earliest opening goal of a World Cup tournament since Philipp Lahm scored after just six minutes in Germany’s clash with Costa Rica at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
With the honour of scoring the tournament’s first goal, Quinones has secured a place in World Cup folklore as Mexico launched the 2026 competition in style on home soil.
