Jimenez scores first World Cup goal in tears for late father as Mexico open 2026 tournament

Raul Jimenez scored his first World Cup goal to help Mexico open the 2026 tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, breaking into tears in a moment that moved pundits and teammates alike.

The Wolves striker, 35, headed home to double Mexico’s lead after Julián Quiñones had scored the tournament’s opening goal. It was Jimenez’s first start at a World Cup, and his celebration was visibly overwhelmed by grief — his father died aged 62 just three months ago.

Former France international Thierry Henry, on punditry duty, reflected on the weight of the moment. “Why was he emotional? Because I remember everyone thought his career was over, then he came back but I’m sure he was thinking of his dad,” Henry said. “He was looking at the boxes, and I think he realised his dad was not sitting there and seeing him score at a World Cup at the Estadio Azteca. We already have a massive emotional moment.”

Javier Hernandez, a former teammate and himself a former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, echoed that sentiment. “It’s his first goal in a World Cup, his first time starting too,” Hernandez said. “And then with that very special moment, we’re very touched by that. Our main striker scores and it means way more than just a goal.”

Jimenez’s journey to this moment has been remarkable in its own right. He suffered a career-threatening skull fracture in November 2020 and required emergency surgery, with many doubting he would play professional football again. His return to the top level, and now a World Cup goal on home soil, adds another chapter to an already extraordinary story.

The match was not without controversy. Mexico captain Cesar Montes was dismissed late in the game, while South Africa finished with nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane also received red cards — three dismissals in total across the 90 minutes.

Javier Aguirre’s side are well placed to advance from Group A following the win. Mexico face South Korea on Thursday in Guadalajara before completing their group stage campaign against Czech Republic in Mexico City on 24 June.