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

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

Tshabalala’s strike in Johannesburg on June 11, 2010 remains one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history. The South African winger thrilled the home crowd with a powerful shot into the top corner to give Bafana Bafana the lead against Mexico in their tournament opener.

“Tshabalala! Goal Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa! Goal for all of Africa! Jabulile! Celebrate!” Commentator Peter Drury famously said this as Tshabalala and his teammates celebrated.

Although Rafael Márquez saved a point for Mexico in a 1–1 draw, the goals and celebrations continued long after the final whistle.

In the opening match of the 2026 tournament, Mexico struck first. Quinones, playing in his first World Cup, took advantage of South Africa’s costly mistake in the ninth minute. Ronwen Williams’ pass put Sphelo Sithole under pressure near the edge of the penalty area and Mexico immediately regained possession, with Quinones passing the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.

The forward then joined the same dance festival that Tshabalala had made famous 16 years earlier.

Mexico remained in control for most of the match and doubled their lead in the second half through Raul Jimenez. The experienced striker scored his first World Cup goal with a header from Roberto Alvarado’s cross.

South Africa’s task became more difficult after Sithole was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity early in the second half. Themba Zwane was later shown a red card Following a VAR review, Bafana Bafana were left with nine men for the closing stages.

The 2-0 win gave Javier Aguirre a winning start to Mexico’s domestic World Cup campaign, but one of the evening’s standout moments came soon after Quinones found the net.

Tshabalala’s first goal of the 2010 World Cup was against Mexico. Quinones’ first goal of the 2026 World Cup was against South Africa. The celebration was also the same.

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