Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, netting for host nation Mexico against South Africa in the 8th minute of the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Quinones capitalized on a costly blunder by a South African defender during build-up play. After intercepting the ball just outside the penalty box, the Al-Qadsiah striker unleashed a powerful shot that went straight between the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
This strike ranks as the third-fastest goal in the history of World Cup opening matches, trailing only César Sampaio’s goal for Brazil against Scotland (France 1998) and Philipp Lahm’s opener for Germany against Costa Rica (Germany 2006).
Remarkably, this goal marks Quinones’ first international net for El Tri in his last 17 appearances, successfully breaking his goal drought on the biggest stage of all.
Quinones was one of the standout stars in the Saudi Pro League last season. He finished as the league’s top scorer with 33 goals, outshining England’s Ivan Toney and football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
🇲🇽⚽️ جوليان كوينونيس يوقّع على أول أهداف كأس العالم FIFA 2026™
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