The Mexican forward Raúl Jiménez lived an unforgettable night in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, in which the Mexico team beat South Africa 2-0 with goals from Julián Quiñones and the attacker himself.
Jiménez, who in November 2020 suffered a skull fracture after a strong collision with David Luiz in the English Premier League was close to retirement and underwent a delicate operation that left him a permanent scar. Since then, he plays with a special protector on his head, which has become a symbol of his fight and resilience.
Jiménez’s goal not only represented tranquility for the Mexican team, but also the culmination of a process marked by perseverance. Each game is testimony that he overcame one of the most difficult moments of his career and that, despite adversity, he returned to contribute to his team.
The Mexican fans celebrated with emotion, aware that that score had a double meaning: sporting and human. Jiménez showed that determination was essential to overcome the consequences of an injury that put his professional career at risk.
The most anticipated goal
In his fourth World Cup participation, after failing to score in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, Raúl Jiménez finally scored with the Mexico shirt. A precise cross from Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado found the head of the forward, who sent the ball into the back of the goal.
After the score, the forward could not contain his tears. It was the release of years of frustration and the memory of that injury that almost took him away from football. With his gaze toward the sky and his hands raised, he thanked the creator for allowing him to live that historic moment.
RAUL JIMENEZ With Mexico’s Second Goal of the Night 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/3dNPX21Xmm
— Ken Light🤯 (@IamKenLight) June 11, 2026
Mexico dreams big
The victory in the World Cup debut was not a demonstration of vast superiority, but it was a sign of effectiveness in decisive moments.
The fans celebrated with euphoria and recognized the performance of Jiménez, who became the protagonist of the night and a symbol of hope for a Mexican team that dreams of transcending the largest edition of the World Cup, with 48 participating teams.