2010 to 2026: Mexican quinones revive Tshabalala vs South Africa celebration

Julian Quinones recreated Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic celebration after scoring the opening goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa on Thursday, bringing back memories of one of the most memorable moments from the 2010 edition of the tournament.

The symbolism was hard to miss. Sixteen years ago, it was South Africa’s Tshabalala who scored the first goal of the World Cup against Mexico and celebrated with a choreographed dance that became one of the defining images of the tournament. Quinones opened the scoring for Mexico against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday and celebrated the moment with the same celebration.

Tshabalal’s strike in Johannesburg on 11 June 2010 remains one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history. The South African winger unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner to send the home crowd into raptures and give Bafan Bafan the lead against Mexico in their tournament opener.

“Tshabalalaaaaaaa! Bafana Bafana goal! South Africa goal! All Africa goal! Jabulile! Rejoice!” commentator Peter Drury famously said as Tshabalala and his teammates celebrated.

| In 2010, Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the first goal of the World Cup against Mexico and celebrated with one of the most iconic celebrations.

16 years later, Julin Quiones scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup against South Africa… and celebrated the exact same thing – CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 11, 2026

Rafael Marquez did salvage a point for Mexico in a 1-1 draw, but the goal and celebration lasted long after the final whistle.

In the opening match of the 2026 tournament, it was Mexico who struck first. Quinones, playing in his first World Cup, capitalized on a costly South African error in the ninth minute. Ronwen Williams’ pass put Sphephelo Sithole under pressure on the edge of the penalty area and Mexico quickly gained possession, allowing Quinones to slot the ball through the keeper’s legs.

The attacker then burst into the same dance party that Tshabalala made famous 16 years ago.

Mexico remained in control for most of the game and doubled their lead in the second half through Raul Jimenez. The veteran striker headed home Roberto Alvarado’s cross to score his first World Cup goal.

South Africa’s task became increasingly difficult after Sithole was sent off for spurning an obvious goal-scoring opportunity early in the second half. Themba Zwane was later shown a red card after VAR review, leaving Bafana Bafana with nine men for the closing stages.

The 2-0 win gave Javier Aguirre a winning start to Mexico’s home World Cup, but one of the highlights of the night came shortly after Quinones found the net.

The first goal of the 2010 World Cup belonged to Tshabalala against Mexico. The first goal of the 2026 World Cup belonged to Quinones against South Africa. The celebration was the same.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

12 Jun 2026 07:20 IST