Mexico striker Julian Quinones has praised his teammates for giving him so much confidence. He said this after scoring the opening goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.
In a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opening game, Quinones’ strike in the 10th minute off bad passes from South Africa put Mexico in the lead and fellow striker Raul Jimenez scored a header in the second half to seal the win for the co-host nation.
Quinones, who topped the Saudi Pro League scorers’ chart this past season, also won the Man of the Match Award for his exploits in the game and pointed to his national teammates over his impressive outing.
“Many things came into my head like celebrating and screaming with joy. I went to the bench to see my peers because they have given me so much confidence. I wanted to feel that joy with them” he said after the game.
In a feisty contest that had three red cards shown leading to the late exit of defender Carles Montes, Quinones said,
“There were some mistakes that were very costly. Being sent off is something you can avoid.”
