Julian Quiñones named Man of the Match after scoring first goal of the 2026 World Cup

Julián Quiñones didn’t just win Man of the Match honors against South Africa. He scored the very first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, putting his name into a history book that includes some fairly distinguished company.

Mexico’s 3-0 demolition of South Africa in the Group A opener at Estadio Azteca on June 11 was comprehensive, clinical, and over as a contest almost before it started. Quiñones capitalized on a defensive mishap in the 9th minute to give the host nation the lead, and South Africa never recovered.

A statement performance at Estadio Azteca

Quiñones, who plays his club football for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia’s Roshn League, was sharp from the opening whistle. His 9th-minute strike set the tone for what became a thoroughly dominant performance from Mexico.

Raúl Jiménez and César Montes added further goals to complete the rout, but this was Quiñones’ night. The Man of the Match award was a formality by the time the final whistle blew.

This is the first World Cup to feature the expanded 48-team format, meaning more matches, more groups, and more opportunities for players to make their mark on the biggest stage in football.

From the Saudi league to the world stage

The 29-year-old’s trajectory over the past few years has been quietly impressive. Born on March 24, 1997, Quiñones built his reputation through club stints in Colombia and Mexico before making the move to Saudi Arabia’s increasingly talent-rich league system.

Quiñones won the Golden Boot in the 2025/26 Saudi season, establishing himself as one of the most prolific forwards in a league that has attracted global attention and significant investment in recent years.

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