Who is Julian Quinones? Colombia-Born Mexico Star Who Scored the First Goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Julian Quinones etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after scoring the opening goal of the 2026 tournament for Mexico against South Africa on June 11. The Colombia-born forward capitalized on a defensive mistake to give the hosts an early lead and become the first goalscorer of football’s biggest event.

His journey to the global stage has been anything but ordinary. From humble beginnings in Colombia to becoming one of Mexico’s most important attacking players, Quinones has steadily built an impressive career across multiple leagues and countries.

Early Life and Career

Born on March 24, 1997, in Magui Payan, Colombia, Julian Quinones began his football journey with amateur club Futbol Paz in Cali. During the 2014-15 season, he scored an incredible 50 goals in just 38 matches, attracting attention from scouts across Latin America.

Mexican giants Tigres UANL quickly moved to secure his services, bringing him into their Under-20 setup. While breaking into the first team proved difficult, Quinones gained valuable experience through several loan spells.

Rise Through Liga MX

Quinones enjoyed productive loan spells with Venados, Lobos BUAP, and Atlas. His performances with Atlas helped the club secure the Liga MX title during the 2021-22 season, leading to a permanent transfer.

The forward continued his impressive form and won another league championship with Atlas. During his time at the club, he recorded 36 goals and 12 assists in 83 appearances, establishing himself as one of Liga MX’s most dangerous attackers.

His success earned him a move to Club America in 2023. Playing for Mexico’s most successful club, Quinones contributed 23 goals and 10 assists in 52 appearances while helping the team win two more Liga MX titles.

Switch from Colombia to Mexico

Despite representing Colombia at youth level, Quinones chose to represent Mexico internationally. In May 2023, he declined a call-up from the Colombian national team and completed his Mexican naturalization process in October of the same year.

He received his first senior Mexico call-up in November 2023 and quickly became a regular member of the squad. Since making his debut, Quinones has registered three goals and two assists in 23 appearances for El Tri.

Success in Saudi Arabia

In June 2024, Quinones completed a high-profile move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah for a reported transfer fee of $16 million, making him the most expensive player ever sold by a Mexican club at the time.

The striker adapted immediately to Saudi football and delivered sensational numbers. He has accumulated 62 goals and 12 assists in 68 appearances while winning the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League Golden Boot award after scoring 33 league goals.

Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup Goal

Quinones became the first goalscorer of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after taking advantage of a costly South African defensive error.

In the ninth minute, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a pass toward midfielder Sphephelo Sithole. However, Sithole failed to control the ball under pressure from Erik Lira, allowing Mexico to regain possession in a dangerous area.

The loose ball fell perfectly for Quinones, who calmly controlled it before firing a low shot through the goalkeeper’s legs and into the net.

The strike became the earliest goal scored in a World Cup opening match since Philipp Lahm found the net for Germany against Costa Rica in the sixth minute of the 2006 FIFA World Cup opener.

What Quinones Brings to Mexico

Coming off a Golden Boot-winning campaign in Saudi Arabia, Quinones enters the tournament as one of Mexico’s most important attacking weapons. His pace, finishing ability, physical strength, and versatility make him a key figure in the team’s hopes of making a deep run in the competition.

With his confidence at an all-time high and his goalscoring record continuing to improve, the Colombia-born striker could play a decisive role in Mexico’s 2026 FIFA World Cup journey.

Source: Sportskeeda