Quinones Ready to Be England's Nightmare
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Julian Quinones is poised to be Mexico's biggest threat to England in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match.
- Quinones, who gained Mexican citizenship after moving from Colombia at 17, has scored three goals and assisted one in four games.
- He aims to help Mexico end its World Cup quarter-final drought dating back to 1986.
Julian Quinones is set to be Mexico's primary attacking force against England in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. The 29-year-old forward has been instrumental for Mexico, tallying three goals and one assist in four matches, making him the most involved Mexican player in scoring at a single World Cup since Luis Hernandez in 1998.
Born in Colombia, Quinones moved to Mexico at 17 and later chose to represent El Tri after obtaining citizenship. He expressed deep gratitude to Mexico for its acceptance and support during his life's challenges. "Mexico made me a better person and accepted me with open arms during life's challenges, so I always feel indebted to this country," Quinones stated. "I always fight for my family and every opportunity I am given because all the difficulties I have gone through are a source of strength to keep moving forward."
Mexico made me a better person and accepted me with open arms during life's challenges, so I always feel indebted to this country. I always fight for my family and every opportunity I am given because all the difficulties I have gone through are a source of strength to keep moving forward.
Quinones' scoring prowess was evident last season in the Saudi Pro League, where he netted 33 goals to lead the league, surpassing notable players like Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo. He has carried this form into the World Cup. Now a key player for Al-Qadsiah, he partners with Raul Jimenez to break Mexico's quarter-final jinx, which has persisted since the 1986 tournament. They are expected to test England's right flank, an area where England has yet to establish a solid defensive combination.
"I am confident we can go further because this team is complete, competitive, and all players believe we can achieve something special in this tournament," Quinones added, expressing optimism about Mexico's potential to advance.
I am confident we can go further because this team is complete, competitive, and all players believe we can achieve something special in this tournament.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.