Julián Quiñones put the ball in the net at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, and in doing so wrote himself into World Cup history. The 29-year-old forward scored the opening goal of the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup, leading Mexico to a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s first match.

From Magüí Payán to the Azteca

Quiñones was born on March 24, 1997, in Magüí Payán, a municipality in the Nariño department of Colombia. Growing up in the troubled Telembí Triangle region, he found a pathway through the Fútbol Paz social program, which helped young athletes pursue professional careers. Quiñones eventually made his way to Mexico as a teenager to chase a professional football career.

After representing Colombia at youth level, Quiñones became a naturalized Mexican citizen in 2023, making him eligible to represent El Tri on the senior international stage.

The Saudi League detour that changed everything

Before the World Cup, Quiñones joined Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, where he earned the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer, netting over 20 goals. He finished above Cristiano Ronaldo in the scoring charts.

The goal that opened a World Cup

The 2026 World Cup kicked off at Estadio Azteca with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening fixture. Quiñones scored with a nutmeg finish, threading the ball through a defender’s legs and into the net. He was named Man of the Match for his performance in Mexico’s 2-0 win.