World Cup 2026: Quiñones Elated To Help Mexico Beat South Africa In Opener

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Julian Quiñones has described his maiden FIFA World Cup goal as a special achievement that he will cherish for many years to come, Completesports.com reports.

Quiñones scored the curtain raiser as the co-hosts defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Erik Lira won possession from Sphephelo Sithole before feeding Quiñones, who calmly slotted the ball through Ronwen Williams’ legs from just inside the penalty area.

Quinones was denied a second by the post late in the first half.

Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s lead in the 67th minute, heading home a superb cross from Roberto Alvarado.

Read Also:South Africa’s Winless Streak In World Cup Opening Games Continues After Mexico Defeat

Quiñones Hails Teammates

Quiñones, who was named Man of the Match, acknowledged the vital contribution of his teammates to the victory.

“I’m happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal, in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans,” Quiñones was quoted by FIFA.com.

” It’s important for me to acknowledge what my team-mates did to secure the first three points. We’ve felt the support of the fans these past few days. We’re united and today it really showed.”

South Africa will face Czech Republic in their second Group A game at Atlanta Stadium next week Thursday.

Mexico will be up against South Korea the next day at the Guadalajara Stadium.

By Adeboye Amosu