Julián Quiñones became the first player honored as Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after starring in Mexico’s 2-0 opening victory over South Africa on Thursday at Estadio Azteca.
The 29-year-old forward, who scored the tournament’s opening goal in the ninth minute, earned the award for his dominant display in front of a capacity crowd. Quiñones pounced on a defensive error, nutmegged goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and gave hosts Mexico an early lead that set the tone for the Group A match.
He remained a constant threat, hitting the post before halftime and linking play effectively throughout. Raúl Jiménez added a second goal in the 67th minute as Mexico controlled the game, which also saw South Africa reduced to nine players after two red cards.
FIFA officially named Quiñones the Superior Player of the Match, marking the first such award of the tournament. The Colombia-born striker, who plays club football for Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, expressed his pride afterward.
“I’m happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans,” Quiñones said. “It’s important for me to acknowledge what my teammates did to secure the first three points. We’ve felt the support of the fans, and today it really showed.”
