Quinones Writes His Name Into the History Books

"Quinones wrote his name into the pages of history" Mexico celebrates the striker's opening goal, and Record exclaimed: "He drove 130 million people into a frenzy" Sports 5 Published: 11.06.26, 23:04 (GETTY) | Photo: Sports 5

It has begun, the celebration we have waited four years for, the 2026 World Cup, is taking place right now. The player who had the honor of scoring the first goal of the tournament was none other than Julián Quinones. Erick Lira, who was preferred over Edson Alvarez in the lineup, won the ball and set up the striker, who finished with a touch into Ronon Williams' corner in the 9th minute, sending 130 million Mexicans into the air.

Local media celebrated the goal, and in Olé it was written: "Julián wrote his name into the pages of World Cup history." Record praised him: "Quinones drove Mexico into a frenzy." Quinones was actually born in Colombia and later naturalized, and he turned down a call-up to the Colombia national team after "years of discrimination," according to his claim, and is considered a hungry player who looks for goals again and again. "I fight for every ball," he said.

He is a modern striker who presses opponents and is capable of playing in several attacking positions, and in Javier Aguirre's team he plays on the left. The Saudi league's top scorer finished the season with 29 goals, overtaking, among others, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. This was his first goal for the national team since June 2024, and only his third in national team colors. World Cup 2026 Found a language error?