Raúl Jiménez scored his first goal in a World Cup during Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup and dedicated it to his late father.
Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez headed in the goal at the 67th minute after a cross from Roberto Alvarado. Before the match he had asked Alvarado to put a ball to the far post like against Costa Rica.
Jiménez said the goal had personal meaning: “to dedicate it to my dad. I think he would be the happiest to have been here in the stadium, but I know that from up there he is supporting me”. Jiménez’s father passed away months before the tournament.
Mexico won 2-0 with another goal from Julián Quiñones in the ninth minute. The match was played at Estadio Ciudad de México in front of 88,824 spectators.
