Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez scored his first FIFA World Cup goal on June 11, 2026 [1], during Mexico's opening match of the tournament.
The goal represents a long-awaited personal milestone for the 35-year-old forward [3], arriving at a moment of high stakes for the host nation.
Playing at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Jiménez rose to meet the ball and secure the score in front of a home crowd. Following the goal, the striker dedicated the moment to his father. "I dedicate this goal to my dad," Jiménez said.
The emotional impact of the play was noted by observers as the player celebrated the achievement. The goal served as a culmination of years of effort for the veteran striker, who has long sought a scoring presence on the world's largest sporting stage.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre praised the performance and the timing of the goal within the context of the team's tournament start. Aguirre said it was a "perfect day."
Jiménez has spent his career as a focal point of the Mexican attack, but the elusive World Cup goal had remained out of reach until this match. The atmosphere at the Azteca amplified the significance of the strike, which occurred during the tournament's early stages on June 11, 2026 [1].
“"I dedicate this goal to my dad."”
For Mexico, a World Cup host, the emotional and competitive momentum provided by a veteran leader like Jiménez is critical for fan engagement and team morale. Scoring a first World Cup goal at age 35 underscores the striker's persistence and provides the squad with a psychological boost early in the competition.
