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.
