Quinones Makes World Cup History with Opening Goal for Mexico
Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup, putting Mexico ahead in the 9th minute against South Africa. The 28-year-old forward, born in Colombia and now naturalized, became the latest name on a list of tournament openers that includes Pele, Jürgen Klinsmann and Philipp Lahm.
Quinones finished the Saudi league season as top scorer with 29 goals, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and has scored only three times for Mexico, with his first national-team goal since June 2024. He has spent the past two years at Al Qadsiah and has never played in Europe. Before joining Mexico, he turned down a call-up from Colombia, saying he had suffered “years of discrimination.”
Quinones said, “I fight for every ball.” The article also notes that the 2026 tournament is being opened by host nations more than usual, with Mexico, the United States and Canada among the first four teams to play.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
