Raúl Jiménez marks a long-awaited milestone for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, scoring in the team’s 2-0 opening win over South Africa. The 35-year-old forward finds the net for Mexico’s second goal and visibly reacts, bursting into tears after completing the strike. The match represents Jiménez’s first goal at a World Cup. Sources note that his delayed path to the tournament has included serious injury complications dating to his club career with Wolverhampton in November 2020. On Nov. 29, 2020, Jiménez suffers a skull fracture, requiring lifesaving surgery. After years of recovery and return to professional play, he eventually gets his moment on the World Cup stage, contributing to Mexico’s win in their first match of the competition. Coverage from multiple outlets frames the goal as both a personal breakthrough and a defining moment in the tournament opener for El Tri.