Raul Jimenez scores first World Cup goal for Mexico against South Africa

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 2:36 AM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Raul Jimenez scores first World Cup goal for Mexico against South Africa
Summary

Raul Jimenez scored his first World Cup goal in the 67th minute of Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa during the 2026 World Cup opener at Azteca Stadium. After surviving a near-fatal skull fracture in 2020 and the recent death of his father, Jimenez's emotional celebration resonated deeply with the crowd. He received a cross from Roberto Alvarado before heading the ball into the net, expressing his relief and gratitude in a moment significant for both his career and personal losses. The victory marks a strong start for Mexico in the tournament as they take the first step toward their World Cup aspirations.

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By the Numbers
  • Raul Jimenez scored in the 67th minute for Mexico.
  • Mexico leads 2-0 against South Africa in the World Cup opener.
  • Jimenez celebrated in memory of his father, who passed away in March.
  • He has worn protective headgear since his skull injury in 2020.
  • The match took place at Azteca Stadium, a historic venue.
Latest Updates
  • 2:36 AMYahoo SportsRaul Jimenez Survived a Skull Fracture to Score His First World Cup Goal
What they're saying
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The header itself was nothing remarkable, a striker meeting a cross and steering it home, the sort of goal Raul Jimenez has scored hundreds of times. It was what happened next that stopped the Azteca in its tracks. The 35-year-old did not wheel away in the usual celebration. He stood still, looked up at the…

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