Mexico’s Julián Quiñones scores the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa in the 9th minute, breaking the deadlock at Mexico City Stadium. Multiple outlets report the goal as the first scored in the tournament, giving Mexico an early lead and setting the match in motion for the opening fixture. BBC, The Age, and other regional reports describe the strike as the tournament opener, while outlets including NDTV and Times of India add biographical and historical context, noting that it is Quiñones’ first World Cup goal and his first for Mexico since June 2024. Some reports also attribute the breakthrough to defensive error and quick finishing after South Africa attempts to play out from the back. Several sources reference the goal’s place in World Cup records, including its status as the earliest opening-match goal since the 2006 tournament when Philipp Lahm scored for Germany. Coverage also notes the large home crowd at the stadium reacts immediately after the early goal, with the match ultimately proceeding from the 1–0 start.