Julián Quiñones of Mexico scored the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup in a match against South Africa. The goal came from a shot between the goalkeeper’s legs, marking a notable start to the tournament. This match served as the inaugural contest of the expanded, multi-host World Cup. The game was played in Mexico, one of the three host nations for the event. Details surrounding the specifics of the game beyond the goal scorer are currently limited. Quiñones’ goal immediately establishes him as a key player in the tournament’s early stages. The result places Mexico ahead in the opening game of the competition.