Quinones obtained the Mexican citizenship and opted to play for Mexico instead of Colombia. The forward stated that is a way to express gratitude to the country for giving him senior opportunities. Prior to his move to the Saudi Pro League, Quinones played all his career in Mexico.

In fact, Quinones rejected a call-up for Colombia back in 2023, before declaring his commitment to Mexico. Hence, that’s why despite him being born in Colombia, he is playing the 2026 World Cup with Mexico.

Quinones is one of many players representing a country where they weren’t born in

The list of players that aren’t playing for the country they were born in during the 2026 World Cup is a huge one. Also, Mexico has a long history of foreign players representing them at the maximum soccer level.

Players like Antonio Naelson ‘Sinha‘, Guille Franco, and now Quinones have been instrumental for the team’s success in the World Cup stage. That’s just to mention a few. After all, Mexico reunites plenty of nations, and that’s at display here. For instance, Mexico will have five foreign players giving their all for the Tri.

Quinones is a candidate to be Mexico’s best player in 2026 World Cup

Quinones was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League over the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. Hence, there are high expectations on what he can do for the host nation of Mexico during the 2026 World Cup.

He has a knack for goal, speed, strength, and high soccer IQ to deliver plenty of highlights and wreck some havoc on the opponents half. Many of the hopes of Mexico fall on Quinones’ shoulders.

The forward, who represents Mexico internationally after switching national eligibility, is currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah FC, where his scoring form has kept him in the spotlight ahead of international competitions.

Now in the prime of his career, he continues to attract attention. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup edition, he was the first player to score a goal, doing so in the opening match on June 11 against South Africa.

How old is Julian Quinones and where was he born?

Julian Quinones is 29 years old as of 2026, having been born on March 24, 1997. He was born in Colombia and later became a naturalized Mexican citizen, allowing him to represent the Mexico national team.

How tall is Julian Quinones?

Julian Quinones is 1.80 meters (5 ft 11 in) tall. His height, combined with his strength and acceleration, makes him a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or winger.

Despite not being an extreme aerial target, he uses his body positioning and explosiveness to win duels and create space in the final third. His physical profile has been one of the key reasons behind his success in Mexico.

When did Julian Quinones start playing for the Mexico national team?

Julian Quinones started playing for the Mexico national team in November 2023, when he made his senior debut after completing his FIFA nationality switch. After finishing his naturalization process, he was first called up by Mexico and officially debuted during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League match against Honduras on November 17, 2023.

Since that moment, he has gradually integrated into the national team setup, becoming a recurring attacking option thanks to his performances in Liga MX with Club America and later his move abroad. He also scored his first international goal in 2024 during the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals against Panama.

Which club does Julian Quinones play for in 2026?

In 2026, Julian Quinones plays for Al-Qadsiah FC in the Saudi Pro League. He joined the Saudi club in 2024 after leaving Club America, marking a major step in his international club career. He remains under contract through June 2029.

What is Julian Quinones’ salary?

Julian Quinones reportedly earns a salary of $5.8 million per year at Al-Qadsiah FC in the Saudi Pro League. His move to Saudi Arabia significantly increased his earnings compared to his previous contract in Liga MX.

After leaving Club America, where he was among the top-paid players in the squad but still operating within Liga MX salary structures, he secured a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, a league known for offering competitive contracts.

His salary also highlights the broader trend of Liga MX stars transitioning to the Saudi Pro League, where financial packages often include bonuses, image rights and performance incentives that can substantially increase total earnings.

Julian Quinones’ career highlights

• Liga MX breakthrough with Tigres (2016–2021): Quinones began his professional rise at Tigres UANL, where he won multiple domestic titles including Liga MX championships and international silverware. Although not always a starter, he gained valuable experience in a winning squad that shaped his competitive edge.

• Historic back-to-back championships with Atlas (2021–2022): His defining career moment came with Atlas FC, where he became a key attacking figure in the club’s historic Apertura 2021 and Clausura 2022 title wins—ending a 70-year league drought for the team and turning him into one of Liga MX’s most decisive forwards.

• Liga MX dominance with Club América (2023–2024): After joining Club America, Quinones immediately continued his winning impact, helping the club secure back-to-back league titles in Apertura 2023 and Clausura 2024 while becoming one of the most productive attackers in Mexico.

• One of the most decorated active players in Mexico: By 2024, Quinones had already reached six Liga MX titles across three different clubs (Tigres, Atlas, Amwrica), placing him among the most successful active players in Mexican soccer history.

• International step to Saudi Arabia (2024–present): After dominating Liga MX, he transferred to Al-Qadsiah FC in Saudi Arabia, where he continued his career as a regular starter and goal contributor in the Saudi Pro League, expanding his international profile.
• First goal of 2026 World Cup: Eight minutes into the 2026 World Cup opener, Quinones scored the first goal of the tournament by giving Mexico the lead over South Africa. Not the fastest goal in World Cup history, but indeed the fastest goal in an opening match.

If only the first goal of each World Cup opening game is taken into account, then Quinones has indeed broken the previous record. His strike against South Africa just eight minutes into the match set the record for the fastest goal in a tournament curtain-raiser.

Quinones and Mexico‘s first goal in the 2026 World Cup opener dethroned Croatia’s goal in the 2014 curtain-raiser, when Brazil star Marcelo scored an own-goal to give the Croatians an early lead against the host country.

Fastest goal in World Cup history

As for the fastest goal in World Cup history, Quinones’ tally came 7 minutes and 49 seconds too late. In fact, the fastest goal in tournament history was scored by Turkiye striker Hakan Şükür, who found the net just 11 seconds into the third-place match against South Korea at the 2002 World Cup.

Needless to say, the odds of that record being broken anytime soon are extremely slim. For the time being, Şükür’s milestone appears safe.

Quinones’ red-hot form

Coming off a sensational campaign in the Saudi Pro League, Quinones hasn’t lost a step as he transitions to the international stage. The 29-year-old striker led the league in scoring with 33 goals during the 2025-26 season, including a hat trick in the final matchweek.

So far, so good as he joins El Tri and helps lead the nation’s dream at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico need their forwards to be in form, and Quinones is coming in as hot as Tabasco.

Mexico kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an exciting opening match against South Africa, a poetic rematch of their memorable 2010 tournament opener. For El Tri, this marked another highly anticipated curtain-raiser on home soil, representing the eighth inaugural match in the nation’s rich World Cup history.

As if by fate, it took just eight minutes for the home crowd at the Mexico City Stadium to erupt into pure joy thanks to Julian Quinones. The forward confidently found the back of the net following a brilliant ball recovery by Erik Lira, who stripped the South African defense right outside the penalty box.

Mexico set the tone with high pressure

Mexico’s aggressive high press paid immediate dividends on the pitch. From the opening whistle, the host nation dictated the tempo by pinning South Africa deep in their own territory, a tactical choice by Javier Aguirre that caught the visitors completely off guard.

Lira’s relentless midfield pressure forced a critical turnover while the South African backline was still transitioning out of defense. Quinones reacted instantly, driving a low, powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to secure an early advantage.

While Quinones’ finish was remarkably fast, it did not break the record for the quickest goal in World Cup history. However, the lightning-fast strike has given Mexico immense hope of securing its first-ever victory in a World Cup opening match.

El Tri has historically relied on naturalized talent to bolster the squad for major international tournaments. For this campaign, head coach Javier Aguirre has called up five foreign-born standouts.

Santiago Gimenez (Argentina), Julian Quinones (Colombia), Alvaro Fidalgo (Spain), Obed Vargas (United States), and Brian Gutierrez (United States) are the five players chosen to represent Mexico on the world stage.

High quality among Mexico’s foreign-born stars

Aguirre’s selections bring immense talent and top-tier experience to the national team. Four of these players currently ply their trade abroad, with Brian Gutierrez serving as the lone domestic representative.

Julian Quinones, forward – Al Qadisiya

Julian Quinones arrives after a spectacular season with Al Qadisiya, where he finished as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. He is locked in as Mexico’s starting left winger.

Alvaro Fidalgo, midfielder – Real Betis

Alvaro Fidalgo recently returned to his home country to join Real Betis. The midfielder is an undisputed starter and will serve as the primary creative mind in the center of the pitch for El Tri.

Santiago Gimenez, forward – AC Milan

Though recovering from an injury-plagued season at AC Milan, Santiago Gimenez remains a dangerous weapon. However, he currently projects as a depth option behind Raul Jimenez, Armando Gonzalez, and Guillermo Martinez.

Obed Vargas, midfielder – Atletico Madrid

Obed Vargas was a surprise inclusion on the final roster. Despite seeing limited minutes with Atletico Madrid this past season, his development in Europe gives him a distinct advantage.

Brian Gutierrez, midfielder – Chivas

Finally, Brian Gutierrez enters the tournament following a breakout season with Chivas. His consistent international performances have many expecting him to start in Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa on June 11.

As a consequence, America’s front office chose Javier Aguirre as his successor. However, the famous Vasco didn’t leave Mallorca following a tremendous season in La Liga.

Considering that scenario, the emergency option became Andre Jardine who was coaching Atletico San Luis. Then, with a future full of uncertainty, Club America made big splashes such as Kevin Alvarez and now, in a shocking turn of events, a star striker.

Julian Quiñones will be new player of Club America

Julian Quiñones will join Club America. The famous Aguilas paid a $6 million transfer fee to Atlas and now they’ll have a tremendous attack with the Colombian player, Henry Martin and Jonathan Rodriguez.

Quiñones is 26-years old and was a key piece to win back-to-back titles with Atlas. As a consequence, it’s been reported that the forward is a very strong option for Mexico’s national team as he already got the letter of naturalization.

Though Tigres UANL are the reigning champions with names such as Andre Pierre-Gignac, Diego Lainez and Sebastian Cordova, Club America have become the favorite as Quiñones is the biggest splash in decades.