Raúl Jiménez, former Benfica player, scores with a header at the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Raúl Jiménez, former forward of Benfica, once again made headlines on the most publicized stage in the world by scoring Mexico’s second goal in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The Mexican striker’s header in the 67th minute against South Africa sent the stadium into a frenzy and immediately placed the name of the ex-Benfica player on the list of tournament stars, on a night when the hosts gave no chances to their African opponents.

Mexico entered determined to make history in front of its home crowd, opening the scoring just nine minutes in, thanks to a glaring error by South African midfielder Yaya Sithole of Tondela. A lost ball in a dangerous area allowed forward Julián Quiñones, currently playing for Al Qadisiyah, to kick off the scoring and register the first goal of this World Cup edition. With the initial advantage, the Mexican team maintained control of the game, not allowing any chances for the South African national team, which never managed to find the right path to counter the hosts’ favoritism.

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The superiority of Mexico was further emphasized by the goal from Raúl Jiménez, who took advantage of a pinpoint cross from Alvarado to score with a thunderous header, making it 2-0 and ensuring a triumphant start for Mexico in Group A. This play not only consolidated the lead but also reignited the flame of the former Benfica idol, now playing for the English club Wolverhampton, who continues to prove his effectiveness on the grand international stage. For Jiménez, scoring in a World Cup, especially in the opening match, is an achievement that will surely be etched in the memories of Mexican fans as well as those from Portugal who followed his time at the Luz.

This dream start is crucial for Mexico’s aspirations, which, in addition to the added responsibility of playing at home, bears the weight of millions of expectations. The goal from the former Benfica player not only reinforces Jiménez’s status as the offensive reference for the national team but also serves as a warning to the other teams in the group. Winning the opening match is traditionally an important indicator for the rest of the group stage and can be decisive in the battle for qualification to the knockout stage.

Raúl Jiménez himself, visibly emotional after the match, stated: “It is a huge pride to score in a World Cup for my country, especially at a time when we know what this tournament means to all Mexicans. I want to thank my teammates for their collective effort and I promise to keep giving everything to take us as far as possible.” The forward’s words were spoken in the mixed zone of the stadium, in front of a crowd of journalists and ecstatic fans.

Julián Quiñones also did not hide his satisfaction at having opened the scoring in this World Cup: “Scoring the first goal of the competition is something I will never forget. Now it’s about maintaining concentration because this has only just begun,” said the striker, emphasizing the importance of starting off on the right foot.

For the Mexican coach, this robust victory is a clear sign that the team is ready to face the demands of the competition: “The team met expectations and showed maturity. We know that every game will be a battle, but this victory gives us confidence and room to grow,” he said at the press conference after the final whistle.

With this result, Mexico takes the lead in Group A and heads into the next matches feeling buoyed, facing opponents that are theoretically manageable, but should not be underestimated. For its part, South Africa leaves this inaugural game with an urgent need to correct defensive errors and regain some organization, lest it compromise its qualification hopes right from the start.

The focus now shifts to the performance of Raúl Jiménez and his teammates in the upcoming games, with Mexico, fueled by the enthusiasm of the crowd and the inspiration of its forwards, promising to remain one of the most exciting teams in this World Cup. For the Portuguese, there remains a special attention to the journey of the former Benfica player, who continues to prove why he is a reference in international football.

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