Raul Jimenez, a 35-year-old striker for Wolves and Mexico, scored a header in the 2026 World Cup opener against South Africa and broke down in tears, a moment that seemed unimaginable less than six years ago after a sickening head injury left him with a fractured skull in November 2020. The goal, his 46th for his country in his 125th appearance, moved him joint second in Mexico's all-time scoring list, behind only Javier Hernandez on 52. It was his first start in a World Cup finals after six previous substitute appearances across the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The match, held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in front of more than 80,000 fans, saw Julian Quinones score the fastest goal in a World Cup opener in 20 years, finding the net in the ninth minute. Three red cards were shown: South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, and Mexico's Cesar Montes, though Zwane's dismissal was described as soft. The victory ensured Mexico made a winning start as one of three co-hosts, alongside the United States and Canada. Jimenez's emotion was also linked to the death of his father, Raul Jimenez Vega, in March 2026. Earlier that week, he had completed a move from Fulham to his former club Wolves. Former England defender Gary Neville called it "likely to be the greatest moment of his life from a football perspective", while ex-England striker Ian Wright noted that as Jimenez ran off, "you can see the realisation and that is where the emotion comes." The 2026 World Cup is the first to be hosted by three nations, with the opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy performing the official song 'Dai Dai'. In the other Group A match, South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1, with In-beom Hwang inspiring the comeback. For UK readers, Jimenez's story is especially resonant: he plays for Wolves in the Premier League, and his recovery from a potential life-threatening injury to scoring on the biggest stage highlights the resilience of professional athletes. The expanded 48-team tournament also means more matches, and Mexico's early form suggests they could progress deep into the competition, with potential knockout games in Mexico City if they top their group.
Q: What happened to Raul Jimenez in 2020? In November 2020, Raul Jimenez suffered a fractured skull after a sickening head injury during a match, an incident that could have been fatal. He underwent surgery and made a full recovery, returning to football after several months.
“Raul Jimenez's emotional World Cup goal for Mexico in 2026, six years after a fractured skull.”
Q: How many goals has Raul Jimenez scored for Mexico? As of the 2026 World Cup opener, Jimenez has scored 46 goals in 125 appearances for Mexico, placing him joint second on the nation's all-time scoring list. Javier Hernandez is top with 52 goals.
Q: Who won the first match of the 2026 World Cup? Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Goals came from Julian Quinones in the 9th minute and Raul Jimenez in the 67th minute.
What happens next: Mexico will continue their Group A campaign, with a potential path to the last 32 and last 16 in Mexico City if they win the group. South Africa face an uphill battle after two red cards. The World Cup continues with 48 teams across 16 groups, with knockout stages beginning in late June.