Mexico scores first goal of 2026 World Cup on home turf after emotional national anthem in opening ceremony

Talksport presenter Simon Jordan discusses the 2026 FIFA World Cup kickoff in Mexico, highlighting its immense global and growing U.S. influence. Jordan notes soccer's rise to the third most popular sport in America, surpassing baseball and hockey. He is optimistic about the record-breaking tournament, expected to sell 6.5 million tickets, despite past World Cup challenges.

The World Cup is underway, with the event kicking off in Mexico, and the first goal seemed to be some sort of destiny.

Shortly after the crowd in Mexico City joined together in singing the national anthem, Mexico scored the first goal of the tournament in just the ninth minute.

The field was tilted in the early going, with Mexico already having two corner kicks, and on another trip to the South African side of the field, it found the back of the net.

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Julian Quinones celebrates with teammates after scoring Mexico's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)

A pass from South Africa's goalie got away from a teammate and was picked off by Erik Lira. The ball was then taken by Julian Quinones, who took just one dribble toward the middle of the field and ripped a right-footed shot into the net, putting the crowd into a frenzy.

Quinones ran to his bench and was mobbed by his teammates.

In its World Cup history, Mexico has won 14 of the 22 games in which it has scored first, drawing five others.

Estadio Azteca, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament, held the tournament's opening ceremonies, during which all 48 competing countries were represented. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in the