Raúl Jiménez scores for Mexico in 2026 World Cup opener, completing comeback from near-fatal skull fracture

Raúl Jiménez scored his first-ever World Cup goal, securing a 2-0 victory for Mexico over South Africa in the 2026 tournament opener. The emotional goal, which Jiménez dedicated to his late father, marks a remarkable comeback for the 35-year-old striker, who suffered a near-fatal skull fracture in 2020. The goal was his 46th for Mexico and came in his first career World Cup start.

Jiménez 2026 World Cup goal

• ▪The goal was Raúl Jiménez's 46th for Mexico in his 125th international appearance.
• ▪Raúl Jiménez scored Mexico's second goal with a header in the 67th minute, marking his first-ever World Cup goal.
• ▪Julian Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament for Mexico in the 9th minute of the match.
• ▪Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
• ▪The match was Raúl Jiménez's first career start in a World Cup, following six previous appearances as a substitute.

2020 skull fracture incident

• ▪Jiménez was knocked unconscious and required emergency, life-saving surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
• ▪The injury resulted from an accidental clash of heads with Arsenal defender David Luiz.
• ▪On November 29, 2020, Raúl Jiménez suffered a life-threatening fractured skull while playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Arsenal.

Post-injury rehabilitation process

• ▪During his recovery, Jiménez received support from former goalkeeper Petr Cech, who had experienced a similar head injury.
• ▪Since the injury, Raúl Jiménez is required to wear protective headgear during all matches.
• ▪Jiménez was sidelined from football for eight months, returning to play for Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2021.

Career resurgence at Fulham

• ▪After struggling for form post-injury, Raúl Jiménez's career was rejuvenated following a move to Fulham in 2023.
• ▪In the 2024-25 season, Raúl Jiménez scored 18 goals for Fulham and Mexico, helping the national team win the Concacaf Gold Cup.
• ▪Jiménez had a poor 2022 World Cup, failing to score as Mexico was eliminated before the knockout stage.

Return to Wolverhampton Wanderers

• ▪Jiménez signed a two-year contract to play for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship.
• ▪In June 2026, just before the World Cup, Raúl Jiménez completed a transfer from Fulham back to his former club, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Emotional tribute to father

• ▪After scoring his World Cup goal, Raúl Jiménez was overcome with emotion and cried on the pitch.
• ▪His celebration included pointing to the sky in tribute to his father, Raúl Jiménez Vega, who passed away in March 2026.

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