Julian Quinones' Mexico goal gets 5-word reaction from wife Ana Gabriel
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 FIFAWorld Cup officially got underway on Thursday, with Mexico hosting the opening match against South Africa in Group A play, as the host team took control early.
After nine minutes in the first half, forward Julian Quinones delivered a kick that went through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, sending Mexico’s fans into a frenzy as they took a 1-0 lead.
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Midway through the second half of the World Cup opener, Raul Jimenez struck again, finding the net on a header for Mexico’s second goal, to ensure his team held a solid lead. South Africa had no answers, despite getting into scoring territory several times.
Mexico ultimately claimed a 2-0 victory in front of 800,000 fans at Estadio Azteca, and Quinones received a special message from one of his biggest supporters after striking first in his country’s big win to start off the event.
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 11: Julian Quinones #16 of Mexico celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)“El primer goal del Mundial!!” which loosely translates to “The first goal of World Cup,” wrote Quinones’ wife, social media influencer and model Ana Gabriela, in an Instagram post, which Quinones shared on his IG Story.
Quinones, who also plays for the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Qadsiah, nearly scored twice in the match, with his other attempt hitting off the post. He later received the Man of the Match honors for his performance in Mexico’s exciting World Cup-opening win.
“I’m happy and excited to have scored in this packed stadium and with the fans supporting us the whole time. We played well and we achieved this victory as a team,” Quinones said after his goal in the opener, per ESPN.
MEXICO SCORES THE FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP 🇲🇽
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 11, 2026
It's Julián Quiñones in the scoresheet! pic.twitter.com/SnoP04ltFP
It’s a huge confidence boost for Mexico to get this early win, as a draw or a surprising South Africa upset would’ve been a tough blow to the team’s momentum. However, more group games are on the way.
South Korea and Czechia would play in the group’s next game at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday.
The game didn’t come without three red cards, which was the most ever in a World Cup opener. Early in the second period, Sphephelo Sithole got red-carded when he took down Brian Gutierrez.
South Africa substitute Themba Zwane received his red card after a VAR review indicated he struck Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado in the face.
In addition, Cesar Montes received a costly ejection in the 92nd minute for running into Khuliso Mudau from the side. With that, Montes won’t be a participant in Mexico’s next game.
The 2-0 win over South Africa got Mexico off to a great start in Group A, with three points. They’ll face South Korea a week from today in Guadalajara, Mexico, while South Africa tries to bounce back in a game against Czechia in Atlanta, Georgia.
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