Raul Jimenez scored a header to help Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City's opening match of the 2026 World Cup. This was Jimenez's first World Cup start after six previous substitute appearances across 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments [1, 2, 3].
Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 9th minute before Jimenez added the second goal. Quinones said, "We really congratulated him because he gives a lot to the team. Being part of a team is our pride and it's wonderful he continues to add goals to his career as a player in our national team" [1].
Jimenez pointed to the sky in tribute to his late father, Raul Jimenez Vega, who passed away in March 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Commentator Ian Wright called the moment "very emotional for Raul Jimenez" and noted the clear display of emotion as he ran after scoring [1]. Former England defender Gary Neville described it as "likely to be the greatest moment of his life from a football perspective, scoring in front of 80,000 in that stadium, in his home country" [1].
This goal was Jimenez's 46th for Mexico in his 125th appearance, moving him into a tie for second place on Mexico's all-time goalscorers list behind Javier Hernandez's 52 goals [1, 2, 3].
Jimenez's return to top-level football follows a fractured skull and brain injury he suffered in November 2020 during a Premier League match for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He underwent eight months of recovery before returning to play for Wolves [1, 2, 3]. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, he transferred from Fulham back to Wolverhampton Wanderers [1, 2, 3].
Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 tournament and will face South Korea in their second group match on June 18 [2, 3].
