Raúl Jiménez celebrated his first World Cup goal for Mexico in the tournament’s opener, a 2‑0 victory over South Africa that marked the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City. The 35‑year‑old burst into tears after finding the net, a moment Aguirre called a “perfect day” for the striker today fans cheered.

Jiménez’s goal lifts a striker who survived a skull fracture in 2020 while at Wolverhampton Wanderers, a injury that required life‑saving surgery and forced him to wear protective headgear thereafter. His comeback to full training within two weeks and subsequent season recovery marked a turning point after a quiet 2022 World Cup where Mexico failed to reach the knockouts.

Aguirre praised Jiménez’s resilience, noting the striker had often played in someone else’s shadow. The coach highlighted that the player’s emotions ran high after the loss of his father earlier this year, adding that the goal felt like a personal triumph amid grief. The win positions Mexico firmly in Group A as the tournament kicks off.

With the victory, Mexico secures its first Group A win of the competition, boosting confidence ahead of the next round. Jiménez’s milestone underscores a narrative of redemption for a national icon, while Aguirre’s endorsement signals a renewed belief in the squad’s potential during the opening clash of the 2026 World Cup.