Quiñones Ends Two-Year Drought with Opening Goal of World Cup

In the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico forward Julián Quiñones found the net in just the ninth minute against South Africa.

The goal was not only the first goal of the tournament, but it also set several notable milestones.

Firstly, the strike ended Quiñones' goal drought for the Mexican national team. It was his first international goal for Mexico since June 2024, ending a two-year wait.

Secondly, the goal became the earliest scored in a World Cup opening match since Philipp Lahm netted in the sixth minute of the 2006 FIFA World Cup opener in Germany.

As a result, Quiñones' ninth-minute strike stands as the earliest goal scored in a World Cup opening game in nearly two decades.