Mexico opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium, highlighted by a powerful header from Raul Jimenez. The goal, scored in the 67th minute, marked a historic moment for the 35-year-old striker who nearly died from a fractured skull after a collision during a Premier League match in November 2020. His emotional celebration, pointing to the sky in tribute to his late father, resonated across the stadium and beyond.

Jimenez’s goal was his 46th for Mexico in 125 appearances, moving him into joint second place on the national team’s all-time scoring list. It was also his first start in a World Cup, having previously appeared only as a substitute in three prior tournaments. The win gives Mexico strong momentum in their group, especially as co-hosts of the tournament. His earlier move from Fulham back to Wolves added another layer to his comeback story.

Former Wolves assistant Edu Rubio praised Jimenez’s resilience, noting the physical and mental challenges he overcame. Even now, Jimenez wears a reinforced headband during matches for protection. His journey—from emergency oxygen on the pitch to scoring on football’s biggest stage—underscores the human side of elite sport. The moment was hailed by pundits like Gary Neville and Ian Wright as one of the most emotional in recent World Cup history.