Julián Quiñones: From Colombia to Mexico’s World Cup History Maker

Mexico’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign got off to the perfect start when Julián Quiñones etched his name into football history by scoring the tournament’s first goal in the opening match against South Africa.

The striker, who was born in Colombia but chose to represent Mexico, continues to prove why he is one of the most fascinating stories in world football.

Quiñones arrived in Mexico as a teenager in 2016 after joining Tigres and quickly embraced the country as his home. After years of playing in Liga MX, building a life in Mexico, marrying a Mexican woman and raising children born in the country, he officially became a Mexican citizen in 2023. When Colombia approached him about representing their national team, Quiñones chose Mexico instead, a decision that has now become part of World Cup history.

The 29-year-old entered the World Cup in sensational form. Playing for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, Quiñones finished the 2025/26 season as the league’s top scorer with 33 goals in 31 matches, outperforming renowned forwards such as Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo. His remarkable goal-scoring record made him one of Mexico’s biggest attacking threats heading into the tournament.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre placed his faith in Quiñones for the opening game, and the forward repaid that trust by delivering the first goal of the biggest World Cup ever staged. His journey from Colombia to Mexico, from a teenage prospect to a World Cup history-maker, is a testament to perseverance, identity and belonging.

With his current form and confidence, Quiñones has announced himself as one of the players to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If his opening goal is any indication, Mexico may have found the man capable of leading El Tri on a memorable run on home soil.