Who Is Julian Quinones? Meet Colombia-Born Mexico Star Who Scored the Opening Goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 29-year-old forward scored in the ninth minute and helped Mexico open the tournament with a 2-0 win, officials said.
- On Thursday, June 11, Al-Qadsiah forward Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the 2026 FIFAWorldCup during Mexico's Group match against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium.
- Born in Colombia, Quinones arrived in Mexico as an 18-year-old in 2015 and became a naturalized citizen, earning his first national team call-up in 2023 after successful stints with Tigres and Atlas.
- Capitalizing on a blunder by South African midfielder Spephelo Sithole, Quinones fired home in the ninth minute, marking the fastest goal in Mexico's World Cup history and the earliest tournament opener since 2006.
- Quinones earned Man of the Match honors and a standing ovation, signaling acceptance by Tri fans, whom commentators described as prickly about embracing naturalized players.
- Following the 2-0 victory, Mexico prepares for their next Group match against Czechia on June 25, while South Africa faces the same opponent on June 18.
49 Articles
49 Articles
Colombian media highlighted that Julián Quiñones' goal was a goal with coffee making
He was named player of the match after scoring the first goal of the World Cup. Who is Julián Quiñones?
Just nine minutes after referee Wilton Sampaio blew his whistle to launch the 2026 World Cup, Julián Quiñones scored for Mexico, kick-starting El Tri toward a 2-0 win against South Africa. The winger swooped in to collect a ball poked loose from South Africa midfielder Spephelo Sithole by teammate Erik Lira and fired home from just inside the box. Quiñones’ heroics earned him Man of the Match honors and a standing ovation from the crowd when he …
The story of Julián Quiñones, the first scorer of this World Cup with 1-0 in Mexico-South Africa, began in Colombia, continued in Mexico and ended, for now, in Saudi Arabia, with a Spanish role that we now tell them.
The 2026 World Cup began with a “People of the World, Welcome to Mexico”, the banner of a tortuous road that began eight years ago with the designation of the headquarters and begins with the rhythm of the song of “Hey my love”, of the sensational Mexican band, Maná.” Mexico is once again the navel of the World, placing [...]
Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the Mexican National Team in the 2026 World Cup and was the figure to win against South Africa in the Mexico City Stadium.The naturalized ones is one of the most controversial issues and that generates division of opinions among the fans; however, in the history of the Mexican National Team there have been 17 footballers born in other countries who have dressed ‘the green one’.This Thursday, Javier Aguirr…
Who Is Julian Quinones? The Mexican Who Scored The First Goal Of The 2026 FIFA World Cup
He had not scored for Mexico in nearly two years and came in with two goals in 22 caps. Then the ninth minute arrived at the Azteca and Julian Quinones wrote his name into World Cup history.
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