Julián Quiñones
LW
Half-Space Orchestrator
Mar 24, 1997 (29)
Right
5'11"
174 lb
Scores goal against England
Quinones scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 3-2 loss to England.
Analysis: Quinones did a great job offensively, consistent with his previous World Cup performances, and he made the core sheet through a close-range volley following a set play in the 42nd minute. The Al-Qadsiah player led Mexico in scoring with four goals, while adding one assist over five games played throughout the tournament.
Involved in two goals in win
Quinones scored one goal and assisted once from one shot and three chances created in Tuesday's 2-0 win versus Ecuador.
Analysis: Quinones was superb once again, finishing his run into the box with a potent shot to the near post in the 22nd minute and earning the assist for the hosts' second goal following a nice combination with Raul Jimenez in the 31st of the match. The naturalized Mexican is proving highly valuable for the national team, starting all four games since the group stage and tallying three goals and one assist over that period. He has frequently found opportunities to threaten the opposition goal, and he has also generated offensive play for his teammates from both central and left-wing zones.
Scores Wednesday
Quinones scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Czechia.
Analysis: Quinones was once again on the score sheet for Mexico after opening up the scoring at the World Cup against South Africa, with the forward putting in a loose ball in the 61st minute for the second goal of the match. He is now up to two goals on nine shots in his three appearances. With three starts in three games, he should remain a crucial piece in the knockouts.
Impactful despite not scoring
Quinones generated one shot (one on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Thursday's 1-0 victory against South Korea.
Analysis: Quinones came close to scoring through a header that was denied by the goalkeeper in the first half of this contest. Additionally, the forward led the Mexican squad with three fouls drawn and two chances created during the win. Operating from the left wing, he has consistently drifted into central zones and established himself as the team's most dangerous attacker, generating shots both in and around the penalty area. He'll look for his second goal of the tournament, although he may have his minutes managed and split time on the field with Alexis Vega against Czechia, with the co-hosts already qualified for the knockout rounds.
Back in full training
Quinones (undisclosed) was back training with the Mexico squad and appeared to be in full shape and good spirits, suggesting he should be fit for Thursday's clash against South Korea, according to TNT Sports Mexico.
Analysis: Quinones had raised some concern after asking to be substituted in the 79th minute of the opening victory over South Africa, with coach Javier Aguirre noting he was limping and appeared to be managing some fatigue. However, his return to training without any apparent restrictions is an encouraging sign, and the one-week rest between fixtures appears to have been sufficient for him to recover. The forward was the standout performer against South Africa, scoring the opening goal and coming close to adding a second, and his availability for Thursday's fixture is welcome news for Aguirre heading into what promises to be a demanding second group stage clash.
Scores, limps off in win
Quinones scored one goal during Thursday's 2-0 win over South Africa before leaving the pitch in the 79th minute, with coach Javier Aguirre commenting after the game "He asked to be substituted. He was tired, he had something, he was limping.", Gabriela Medellin of ABC Noticias reports.
Analysis: Quinones put in an outstanding performance against the African side, scoring the ninth-minute winner via right-footed finish from the edge of the box and coming close to doubling his count with a shot to the post later in the first half. The forward, who was indisputably named the man of the match, raised concerns about his physical condition, although there are currently no signs that it's anything more than fatigue. Assuming the one-week rest between games is enough for him to regain full fitness, he should stay put on the left wing over Alexis Vega for the second group-stage fixture versus South Korea, with the team looking to take advantage of the Saudi Pro League scoring champion's superb form.
Heads to World Cup in top form
Quinones has earned an opportunity to feature for Mexico at the World Cup following a great 2025/26 season in which he led the Saudi Pro League in scoring.
Analysis: Quinones appears to be peaking at the perfect time after registering seven goals and two assists in his final five club matches. His 33 total goals for Al-Qadsiah ranked as the best total in Saudi Arabia, ahead of several internationally recognized forwards. Given Alexis Vega's (knee) uncertain physical condition, the former Club America man could take advantage of the situation and his solid momentum to open the World Cup in the starting lineup and serve as one of Mexico's top attacking options. If he does, he'll likely feature on the left wing, where he could rack up both shots and chances created, especially in the relatively easier early fixtures.
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