Julian Quinones added another remarkable chapter to his career by becoming the first player to score at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leading Mexico to a winning start against South Africa in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday.
The 29-year-old striker found the net in the ninth minute of the Group A encounter, etching his name into World Cup history after capitalizing on a costly defensive mistake at the Balon Mundial opener.
The goal originated when Mexico midfielder Erik Lira dispossessed a South African player near the edge of the penalty area. The loose ball fell kindly to Quinones, who calmly slotted his finish through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to register the first goal of the tournament.
Quinones’ strike also became the fastest goal scored in a World Cup opening match since Germany defender Philipp Lahm put the host nation ahead against Costa Rica in the sixth minute of the 2006 tournament.
The early breakthrough set Mexico on course for victory over South Africa and provided the ideal beginning to the team’s World Cup campaign under intense expectations from home supporters.
For Quinones, the historic goal represented another milestone in a career that has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past several years.
Although he now represents Mexico internationally, Quinones was born in Magui Payan, Colombia. His connection with Mexican football strengthened through successful spells with Tigres UANL, Atlas and Club America, while his personal ties to the country also deepened after marrying a woman from Monterrey.
According to The Guardian, Quinones rejected an opportunity to represent Colombia in 2023 after becoming frustrated by years of being overlooked despite consistently impressive performances in Liga MX.
His decision to commit to Mexico proved to be a turning point, eventually earning him a place in the national team and an opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
Quinones began another new chapter in 2024 when he completed a reported 16 million euro ($18.3 million) transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah after establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards in Mexico.
The move quickly paid dividends. During the 2025-26 season, Quinones scored 33 goals in all competitions for Al Qadsiah, securing the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot after finishing ahead of Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who scored 32 goals, and Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished with 28.
His prolific campaign established him among the league’s elite forwards and provided the confidence he carried into the World Cup.
Quinones has often credited his relentless work ethic for his success rather than relying solely on natural talent.
“I like to fight for every ball,” Quinones said in an interview with The Guardian.
That determination has now produced one of the most memorable moments of the tournament’s opening day. By scoring Mexico’s first goal of the 2026 World Cup, Quinones also became the first naturalized player to net an opening World Cup goal for El Tri, reinforcing his place in the country’s football history.
From being overlooked in his native Colombia to becoming the top scorer in Saudi Arabia and now the first player to score at the 2026 World Cup, Quinones has completed an extraordinary rise that few could have predicted only a few years ago.
