Mexico’s top three fastest goals in FIFA World Cup history ft. Julian Quinones
(Courtesy : Getty)
Julian Quinones entered the record books with his early goal for the home side against South Africa.
When Mexican winger Julian Quinones found the bottom corner in the ninth minute of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against South Africa, it was a moment of pure jubilation for the Estadio Azteca crowd. Yet, more than a simple goal in what turned out to be a 2-0 win for El Tri, it was a historic goal for the host nation.
Quinones, who has been in superb goal-scoring form for his domestic team Al-Qadsiah, scored what was the third-fastest goal for the Mexican national team in World Cup history. Despite making his debut in 2023 and earning 23 caps, Quinones has written his name in Mexican folklore with this strike.
Also Read: List of first goal scorers at all FIFA World Cup editions ft. Julian Quinones
Mexico’s top three fastest World Cup goals:
- 3’: Luis Flores vs Paraguay in 1986
- 6’: Rafael Marquez vs Argentina in 2006
- 9’: Julian Quinones vs South Africa in 2026
Interestingly, this is not the only record broken by Quinones with this strike. His goal against South Africa was the fastest in a World Cup opener since Philipp Lahm’s sixth-minute strike for Germany against Costa Rica in 2006.
However, it is still some way away from the all-time fastest goal in World Cup history. That milestone belongs to Turkiye’s Hakan Sukur, who scored just 11 minutes after kick-off in the third-place play-off against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup. Astonishingly, 13 players have scored within the opening minute of a World Cup game.
Meanwhile, Quinones’ strike fired El Tri to a 2-0 win over South Africa in a chaotic match that saw three red cards. Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for Bafana Bafana, while the hosts saw Cesar Montes being given his marching orders in injury time.
When did Julian Quinones score in FIFA World Cup 2026 opener?
He scored in the ninth minute against South Africa, giving Mexico an early lead in their 2‑0 win at Estadio Azteca.
What record did Julian Quinones set with his goal?
It was the third‑fastest goal for Mexico in World Cup history, behind Luis Flores (3’) in 1986 and Rafa Marquez (6’) in 2006.
What is the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history?
The record belongs to Hakan Sukur of Turkiye, who scored just 11 seconds into the 2002 third‑place match against South Korea.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.