Mexico's Julian Quinones scores first goal of World Cup

Mexico's Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup in the co-hosts' match with South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild. It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.