(Video) The viral "Revenge" dance TV missed: How Quiñones broke Mexico’s 96 year World Cup curse?

World Cup 2026 Today at 18:47

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

11.06.26 FT World Cup

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Julian Quinones ignited World Cup 2026 in Mexico City on Thursday netting the tournament's first goal to secure a vital 2-0 win.

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A historic strike for El Tri

The Al-Qadsiah forward delivered an absolute masterclass during the opening day of the global tournament.

By finding the back of the net at the iconic Estadio Azteca, the striker not only propelled the host nation to a comfortable victory over Bafana Bafana but also shattered a massive historical barrier.

This monumental strike marked the very first time a CONCACAF nation has scored the opening goal of a FIFA World Cup, instantly cementing his legacy and earning him the official Man of the Match award.

A viral moment of revenge

While the clinical finish sent the massive home crowd into a frenzy, it was the immediate aftermath that truly captivated the internet.

According to widespread social media footage captured by fans in the stands, the goalscorer celebrated by performing a highly specific, choreographed dance routine.

Although this moment was surprisingly missed by the official live television broadcast, the clips instantly went viral.

The routine was a direct mockery of Siphiwe Tshabalala’s legendary celebration from the 2010 tournament, finally serving cold revenge sixteen years after the South African midfielder famously danced against the Mexican defense in Johannesburg.

The Colombian-Born catalyst

The fact that this deeply patriotic milestone was achieved by a naturalized player adds a fascinating tactical layer to the narrative.

Born in Colombia, the lethal forward built his entire professional identity in Liga MX before securing a highly lucrative transfer to the Saudi Pro League.

Earning his Mexican citizenship just in time for the current international cycle, he has completely transformed the national team's attacking dynamic, injecting a level of ruthless finishing that the squad has desperately lacked in recent major tournaments.

Reversing a bitter opening curse

Delivering the opening blow represents a massive psychological shift for the North American giants.

Historically playing in the global curtain-raiser has been an absolute nightmare for El Tri. Prior to this historic night at the Azteca, the Mexican national team had participated in 6 different World Cup opening matches dating back to the inaugural 1930 tournament in Uruguay.

Across those six previous openers, including heavy defeats to Brazil in the 1950s and the tense 1-1 draw against South Africa in 2010, they had never managed to score the tournament's very first goal.

By finally breaking that nearly century-old curse, the current squad has signaled a fierce new era.

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