During the opening match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup qualifying tournament between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on November 12th, 35-year-old Raúl Jiménez scored his first goal. The goal carried significant emotional weight, as it came just three months after the death of his father. The match was held at the Estadio Azteca. Details surrounding the goal and the context of his father’s recent passing were highlighted as particularly poignant moments during the game. Jiménez’s achievement marks a touching tribute amidst the competitive atmosphere of the World Cup qualifiers. The game itself served as the kickoff for the 2026 tournament’s qualifying phase. The event drew attention from Korean news agency Yonhap, with reporting by journalist Choi Song-ah.