Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, who are the top scorers in the Mexico World Cup? | | World Cup 2026

Mexico’s two goalscorer impressed as he led his team to victory in their opening World Cup match.

Nine minutes into the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, the host nation got reason to celebrate when Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament to deliver. Mexico is leading against South Africa.

Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium turned into a hive of noise and excitement as Quinones scored the opening goal of the World Cup in front of the home crowd on Thursday.

The attacking crowd were given another chance to celebrate when veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second goal in the 67th minute as Mexico broke their opening day ban with a 2-0 win over their 2010 hosts in a thrilling match.

Here’s everything you need to know about the two goalscorers for Mexico:

Julian Quinones

The 29-year-old was born and raised in Colombia, where he played for youth and international teams but never made it to the senior level.

Since 2016, Quinones has played competitive soccer in Mexico, and became a citizen of his adopted country in 2023, which allowed him to represent international soccer again. It only took a month for Quinones to be called up to the country, and the player never looked back.

Playing for the Saudi Pro League team Al-Qadsiah, which he joined in 2024 for a fee of $16m, Quinones earned a name for the national team.

He now joins the most famous names in football history, including Pele, who opened the scoring in the World Cup.

Raul Jimenez

The veteran was emotional as he celebrated his first World Cup goal – and a header – in the 67th minute – and for good reason.

Jimenez’s goal also marked a remarkable comeback after recovering from a near-fatal concussion he suffered when he collided with David Luiz during the 2020 World Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers. From then on, he had to wear a protective headgear for every game.

The 35-year-old was out for eight months before returning to Wolves in August 2021 and scored his first goal after injury the following month, which he dedicated to his family and medical team in tribute.

Since losing his father in March, Jimenez has dedicated many of his goals to his late father as he pointed to the sky and shed tears.