In the Mexico vs. South Africa game, Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup edition. Mexico and South Africa opened the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, June 11, in front of a sellout crowd at the iconic Estadio Azteca. With all eyes on the first game of the competition, Julian Quiñones made his way in history by scoring the first goal of the World Cup. As South Africa attempted to build possession out from the back, midfielder Siphephelo Sithole was suffocated by a high press from Erik Lira, who forced a crucial turnover deep in the attacking third. Quiñones pounced on the loose ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a low, powerful strike that nutmegged goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, opening the tournament’s scoring account in the 8th minute. MEXICO SCORES THE FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP 🇲🇽It's Julián Quiñones in the scoresheet! pic.twitter.com/SnoP04ltFP— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 11, 2026 By finding the back of the net early, Quiñones accounted for the fastest goal scored in a World Cup opening match since Germany’s Philipp Lahm famously curled one past Costa Rica in the 6th minute back in 2006. The gold standard for the earliest goal in a tournament curtain-raiser still belongs to 1934, when Argentina’s Ernesto Belis struck in just the 4th minute against Sweden. Quiñones breaks scoring drought with Mexico Julian Quiñones arrived at the World Cup carrying some of the most scorching club form on the planet, having found the back of the net a stunning 37 times across 35 total appearances for Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah. In fact, the dynamic forward completely stole the headlines by outlasting global heavyweights Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo in a thrilling Golden Boot race, claiming the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League’s top-scorer crown with 33 goals in 31 domestic matches. In stark contrast, his track record with El Tri had been far less clinical, as he entered the tournament with just two goals in 22 international caps. With his early strike against South Africa, Quiñones not only successfully translated his blistering club form to the international stage, but he also snapped an agonizing national team drought dating back to June 8, 2024, when he last scored in a 3-2 friendly defeat against Brazil. *Developing story…
The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into Fifa’s ticketing practices around the 2026 World Cup, focusing specifically on the matches due to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The investigation, announced Wednesday by New York’s Letitia James and New Jersey’s Jennifer Davenport, centers on fans who say they were misled about the location of the seats and on claims that Fifa’s own public messaging around tickets has contributed to the inflated prices seen throughout the tournament.
After leaving Liverpool as free agent, Mohamed Salah has received interest from several teams such as Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and the Saudi Pro League. Nevertheless, Juventus are reportedly interested in signing him, with Luciano Spalletti being a key factor. Mohamed Salah decided to leave Liverpool after losing his role as an undisputed starter under Arne Slot. After reaching an agreement with the front office, the Egyptian star left as a free agent, attracting interest from several teams. While Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and the Saudi Pro League have approached him, he has not accepted any offer yet. Following this, Juventus have reportedly decided to pursue his signing as a marquee reinforcement. According to La Repubblica, head coach Luciano Spalletti is pressuring Juventus to complete the signing of Mohamed Salah. After helping him shine at AS Roma, the Egyptian star could once again have more prominence in Serie A, while also competing in the UEFA Europa League. Nevertheless, they would have to compete against Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and even the Saudi Pro League, which can offer a higher salary. Despite not having his best season, Mohamed Salah has managed to post solid numbers, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in 41 matches with Liverpool. With this, he surpasses the performances of Kenan Yıldız, showing that he could deliver a differential impact at Juventus. In addition, the Egyptian star could be key to developing the potential of Francisco Conceição, who has yet to fully take a step forward. Juventus do not have an easy task in securing the signing of Mohamed Salah. While they have a highly competitive sporting project, they might not be able to offer an astronomical salary. Unlike them, Fenerbahçe are reportedly open to offering him a contract valued at €60 million. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old star might not accept any offer until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool shows appreciation to the fans. Report: Juventus plotting moves for Alisson and Andrew Robertson Looking ahead to the 2026–27 season, Juventus are determined to give a radical turn to their sporting project, making it more competitive. For this, head coach Luciano Spalletti appears to be targeting veteran players capable of making an immediate impact, led by Mohamed Salah. Nevertheless, the Italian side are also reportedly pursuing two of his former teammates from Liverpool: Alisson Becker and Andrew Robertson. Despite being an undisputed starter for Arne Slot, Alisson Becker reportedly wants to leave Liverpool toward Juventus, according to Fabrizio Romano. With this in mind, Tuttosport reveals that Damien Comolli, executive of the Bianconeri, has submitted an offer of €5 million plus bonuses to the Reds. In addition, they have reportedly offered the 33-year-old star goalkeeper a three-year contract worth €4.5 million per season. While the deal for Alisson Becker continues to progress, the Vecchia Signora appear to be losing the signing of Andrew Robertson. According to Nicolò Schira, the 32-year-old left-back has reached an agreement to join Tottenham Hotspur on a contract until 2028. While Juventus showed interest in his services, their salary offer was reportedly not as strong, causing them to miss out on his signing.
Julian Quinones, the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot winner, has now made a crucial decision about his future, a development that could shape the balance of power in the competition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest triumph in Saudi Arabia may have brought celebrations to Al-Nassr, but another major storyline quickly emerged around one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. Julian Quinones, the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot winner, has now made a crucial decision about his future, a development that could shape the balance of power in the competition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The race between Cristiano Ronaldo, Ivan Toney, and Julian Quinones became one of the defining stories of the Saudi season. While Al-Nassr eventually lifted the league title, the battle for individual scoring honors produced drama until the final matchday, with Quinones remarkably stealing the spotlight. The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season ended with one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory. Heading into the final round, Ivan Toney led the scoring chart with 32 goals for Al-Ahli, while Quinones followed closely with 30, and Ronaldo remained within reach with 26. Everything changed in the closing hours of the campaign. Quinones exploded with a hat-trick in Al-Qadsiah’s 5-1 victory over Al-Ittihad, finishing the season with 33 league goals in 31 appearances. Meanwhile, Toney failed to score during Al-Ahli’s final match against Al-Khaleej. Ronaldo scored twice in Al-Nassr’s 4-1 win over Damac, but his final tally of 28 goals was not enough to secure a third consecutive Golden Boot. Ronaldo still protects a historic record Even though Ronaldo missed out on the individual award, his influence over Saudi soccer continues to dominate the league. The Portuguese forward still owns the all-time single-season Saudi Pro League scoring record with 35 goals, a mark established during the 2023-24 campaign. That record survived another intense challenge this season. Neither Quinones nor Toney managed to surpass the extraordinary total Ronaldo produced at the age of 39, further strengthening the Al-Nassr captain’s legacy in the region. Hat-trick on the final day to become the 🔝 scorer in the #RoshnSaudiLeague? Just Julian Quinones things 😎 🎩 pic.twitter.com/hcpThT81q9— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 24, 2026 Ronaldo also achieved a long-awaited milestone by helping Al-Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2019. After years of frustration and near misses, the Portuguese superstar finally lifted the domestic trophy that had previously escaped him in Saudi Arabia. Quinones makes official decision on his future As speculation around his future intensified following his Golden Boot triumph, Julian Quinones officially signed a contract renewal with Al-Qadisiyah until 2029, ending rumors about a potential departure. The Saudi club confirmed the extension through a high-profile social media announcement, presenting the Mexico international as one of the central figures of its long-term project. The club revealed the agreement was finalized alongside CEO James Bisgrove at the club’s headquarters in Khobar. البانثيرا مكمل .. كتابة تاريخه معانا 🐅✍🏻#القادسية | #جوليان_مكمل pic.twitter.com/1j4J761OYw— نادي القادسية السعودي (@Alqadsiah) May 25, 2026 The renewal represents a massive statement from Al-Qadisiyah, especially after Quinones established himself as one of the league’s elite forwards. Since arriving from Club America in 2024, he has reportedly contributed 62 goals and 12 assists for the club. المجد باقي .. من فصوله كثير 🐅❤️#القادسية | #جوليان_مكمل pic.twitter.com/BmrtWgEhyJ— نادي القادسية السعودي (@Alqadsiah) May 25, 2026 His performances throughout the season consistently delivered results in decisive moments. The striker collected 14 Man of the Match awards during the campaign, underlining his importance to the club.
