Julián Quiñones scores World Cup opener for Mexico, escapes Colombian conflict
In brief
- Quiñones scored the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca on June 11
- Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's first match
- The forward won the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot before the World Cup
- Quiñones escaped violence in Colombia's conflict-torn Telembí Triangle region
From conflict to the pitch
Quiñones was born on March 24, 1997, in Magüí Payán, a municipality in Colombia's Nariño department. Growing up in the troubled Telembí Triangle region meant navigating instability and danger. But he found a pathway through the Fútbol Paz social program, which used football as a tool for peace and development.
Quiñones eventually made his way to Mexico as a teenager to chase a professional football career. The move proved transformative. He became a naturalized Mexican citizen in 2023, making him eligible to represent El Tri on the senior international stage.
From Saudi Arabia to World Cup glory
Before the World Cup, Quiñones joined Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, where he earned the Golden Boot as the league's top scorer with over 20 goals. He finished above Cristiano Ronaldo in the scoring charts, a statement of his form heading into the tournament.
His World Cup debut validated that momentum. Quiñones scored with a nutmeg finish, threading the ball through a defender's legs and into the net—a technical display befitting the occasion. He was named Man of the Match for his performance in Mexico's 2-0 win.
The goal itself carries weight beyond the scoreline. It represents not just a player's arrival at football's biggest stage, but a testament to resilience and the power of sport to reshape a life.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Julián Quiñones?
Julián Quiñones is a Mexican forward born in Colombia in 1997. He grew up in the conflict-torn Telembí Triangle region and became a naturalized Mexican citizen in 2023. Before the 2026 World Cup, he was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with over 20 goals.
How did Quiñones escape violence in Colombia?
Quiñones found a pathway out of the troubled Telembí Triangle through the Fútbol Paz social program, which uses football as a tool for peace and development. As a teenager, he moved to Mexico to pursue a professional football career.
What did Quiñones do at the 2026 World Cup?
Quiñones scored the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 at Estadio Azteca with a nutmeg finish. He was named Man of the Match as Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's first match.
