Mexican-Colombian Julian Quiñones Scores for Mexico, Leads South Africa 1-0
Mexican-Colombian winger Julian Quiñones capitalizes on a mistake made by South Africa’s defense and scored the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Africa recorded a single shot against the Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel, while Mexico has consistently tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Tonight, Czechia and South Korea will play in the second game in Group A in Guadalajara.
This is Mexico’s eighth time playing a World Cup opener, and, at halftime, is still to record a win. They have now played 8, two, and lost 5 World Cup opening matches. Mexico lined up with: Raul Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira, Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Alvaro Fidalgo, Julian Quiñones; Raul Jimenez.
South Africa lined up with: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi; Lyle Foster.
Upcoming games for Mexico and the other hosts in the World Cup
After Thursday´s opener against South Africa, Mexico will face South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18, and will close Group A facing Czechia at Estadio Azteca on June 24th. South Africa, on the other hand, will face Czechia on June 18th in Atlanta and will close the group stage against South Korea in Monterrey on June 24th.
Tomorrow, the other two hosts will make their debut in the 2026 World Cup. Canada will make its debut in Group B against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, while the United States will square up against Gustavo Alfaro´s Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium in California in Group’s first match.
The 2026 World Cup will continue during the weekend with Qatar and Switzerland continuing in Group B, Brazil and Morocco kicking off Group C in New Jersey in one of the headlining games of the group stage. Haiti and Scotland will also play in Boston for Group C.
Australia and Turkey will play for Group D at 11:00 p.m. Colombia time, setting up the stage for Germany to kick off its World Cup Campaign this Sunday against debutants Curacao for Group E. The Netherlands will kick off its campaign in Group F against Japan at 3:00 pm, while Ecuador will face off against the Ivory Coast at 6:00 pm. Sweden and Tunisia will close the 2026’s World Cup first weekend at 9:00 pm Colombian time.