Julian Quinones Scores First Goal of FIFA World Cup 2026 at Estadio Azteca
Published June 11, 2026
Co-hosts Mexico have opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an early lead against South Africa, courtesy of Julian Quinones' historic strike in the ninth minute.
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The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off on Thursday night, and it didn't take long for the tournament to see its first goal. Mexican forward Julian Quinones etched his name into World Cup history, finding the back of the net in the ninth minute against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This early breakthrough gave one of the co-hosting nations a crucial lead in the opening match of the expanded 48-team global spectacle.
The pivotal moment unfolded as Mexico applied intense pressure from the outset, forcing South Africa into a defensive miscue. As Bafana Bafana attempted to play out from their own half, a loose pass was intercepted by Quinones near the edge of the penalty area. The forward, who represents El Tri despite his Colombian birth, then delivered a clinical finish past South African captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, sending the partisan crowd of over 80,000 into raptures.
This significant goal not only marked the first of the 2026 tournament but also represented the 2,721st goal in the storied history of the FIFA World Cup. With games set to be played across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico throughout June and July 2026, Quinones' strike provides an exhilarating start to what promises to be an unforgettable competition.