Julian Quiñones: First Goal at the 2026 World Cup
Julian Quiñones, a 29-year-old forward born in the Colombian town of Magüí Payán, netted the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup while representing Mexico. Despite his Colombian roots, he turned down an offer from the Colombian Football Federation in 2023 to play for El Tri.
Quiñones previously played for Colombia’s U-20 national team at the youth level. At age 17, he moved to Mexico and joined the Tigres academy. After eight years living in the country, he married a Mexican woman in 2023 and became a father of two. That same year, he received an official invitation from Colombia’s senior squad but declined it.
In late 2023, Quiñones obtained a Mexican passport and made his debut for the Mexican national team in a match against Honduras. At the club level, he currently plays for Al-Qadsiah, where he has scored 33 goals in 31 appearances—earning him the Pro League Golden Boot ahead of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney.
International Success
At the 2026 World Cup, Quiñones was named Man of the Match, receiving the award from boxer Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez. His performances highlight his growing impact on Mexican football, and he has quickly become a key figure in the squad.
“Quiñones’ success at the World Cup underscores the rising competitiveness of Mexican football on the global stage.”
His decision to represent Mexico over Colombia also reflects a broader trend in sports, where players increasingly choose the country where they live and work. Quiñones could become a symbol of a new generation of footballers who blend cultural and sporting identities—a shift with lasting implications for both nations’ football scenes.