The 2026 FIFA World Cup has its first breakout star, and he wasn’t even born in the country he’s representing. Julián Quiñones, a Colombian-born forward playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, has netted three goals in four World Cup appearances for Mexico, establishing himself as El Tri’s most dangerous offensive weapon.
Quiñones scored the opening goal of the entire 2026 World Cup in the 9th minute against South Africa on June 11, 2026.
From Liga MX to the world’s biggest stage
Mexico rode that early momentum to a 2-0 victory over South Africa in their opener. Then, on June 24, Quiñones added to his tally in a convincing 3-0 demolition of Czechia.
Quiñones, born in 1997 in Colombia, built his reputation through Liga MX with Atlas before making the leap to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.
