Raul Jimenez ends World Cup drought with emotional Mexico opener

Raul Jimenez, Mexico’s 35-year-old striker, scored for the first time at a World Cup on Thursday night, and his 47th goal in national-team colors, in Mexico’s opening match of the 2026 tournament at the Azteca. The goal, a header, sparked huge celebrations in Mexico, where the press described the moment as a nationwide party and a long-awaited breakthrough for a player long regarded as one of the country’s football heroes.

Jimenez’s path back to this moment has been extraordinary. Five years ago, while playing for Wolves in the Premier League, he suffered a severe skull fracture in a collision with Arsenal’s David Luiz at the Emirates Stadium. He was taken to hospital unconscious, underwent a series of brain surgeries, and spent six months in rehabilitation without being allowed to train with teammates. Jimenez said he always believed he would return, though he admitted he did not initially understand how dangerous the injury had been. His mother later said she saw him unconscious on television and feared the worst.

After returning to action, Jimenez was no longer the same player. He lost some of the aerial dominance and pace that once made him a top Premier League forward, and at times became a substitute. But he reinvented himself, playing deeper, linking attacks, and later regaining confidence and physical presence. He had already re-established himself with Mexico, helping them win the Gold Cup after coming off the bench in three matches at the 2022 World Cup.

Mexican outlets said the goal was especially meaningful because Jimenez had faced criticism after being called up for the 2022 World Cup during a difficult period in his career. This time he arrived in strong form after scoring nine goals for Fulham, before returning to Wolverhampton to help them push for a return to the Premier League. He dedicated the goal to his late father, who died at 62 after a battle with cancer and was credited with supporting his career. Mexico can still finish top of its group, which includes South Korea and the Czech Republic.