Mexico forward Julián Quiñones etched his name into World Cup history on Thursday by scoring the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Quiñones struck in the ninth minute of the tournament’s opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, sending the home crowd into celebration.
The goal marked the first of the expanded 48-team World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. It also made Quiñones the first player to find the net at the tournament, earning a place in World Cup folklore.
Playing in front of a packed Azteca Stadium, Quiñones capitalized on Mexico’s early pressure to break the deadlock and give the hosts a dream start to their campaign.
The 2026 World Cup, the largest in FIFA history, features 104 matches and will conclude with the final in New Jersey on July 19.
Quiñones’ early strike ensured he became the first goalscorer of the tournament and provided an unforgettable moment for Mexican supporters as the World Cup officially got underway.
