Quiñones Scores Third Fastest Opening Goal in World Cup History

Mexico's forward, Julián Quiñones, ignited the stands of the legendary Azteca Stadium by scoring the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup. In the inaugural clash against South Africa, the attacking player capitalized on a defensive blunder, finding the back of the net in the 9th minute. This made him the first CONCACAF player to score an opening goal at a World Cup.

The goal ranks among the earliest in the history of World Cup opening matches. It is the fastest goal in an opening game since 2006, when Philipp Lahm scored in the 6th minute for Germany against Costa Rica. However, the absolute record in this category belongs to Brazil's César Sampaio, who stunned Scotland with a header from a corner kick in just the 4th minute at the 1998 World Cup.

Despite the rapid start to this year's tournament, the all-time record for the fastest goal in World Cup finals remains untouched. That record is held by legendary Turkish striker Hakan Şükür, who shocked hosts South Korea in the third-place playoff in 2002, scoring just 11 seconds after the opening whistle.