Julián Quiñones

Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, turning in an Erik Lira cutback after nine minutes of the Mexico vs South Africa opener at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June. The goal ended Mexico's 74-year wait for a win in a World Cup opening match and gave the tournament its first moment of note, coming before the match was shaped by Sphephelo Sithole's dismissal in the 50th minute.

Born in Colombia, Quiñones naturalised as a Mexican citizen and earned his first senior international caps through Liga MX, where he has been a consistent presence for Club América. Pace and directness in behind defensive lines define his game; he is primarily a wide-attacking forward who can operate across the front three. His naturalisation followed several years in Mexico during which he established himself as one of the more productive attackers in the domestic league. His call-up to the senior squad under Javier Aguirre reflected the depth available to a host-nation squad rather than a conventional international pathway.

Quiñones carries the specific distinction of scoring the first competitive goal at the 2026 World Cup, an enlarged 48-team tournament staging its group stage across three co-host nations. For a player who arrived in Mexico's football culture from outside, scoring the opener on home soil against South Africa carries a significance that extends beyond the match result.