Mexico have waited four decades for a World Cup knockout victory. Now, with Julian Quinones leading the charge, belief is sweeping through the nation.
The Colombian-born striker fired Mexico towards a 2-0 victory over Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday, scoring his third goal of the tournament as the co-hosts booked their place in the quarter-finals and reignited dreams of a historic World Cup run.
Quinones may not have grown up dreaming of wearing the green shirt of Mexico or scoring at the iconic Azteca. Yet his impact has made him the face of a team determined to rewrite its World Cup story.
The victory ended a 40-year wait for Mexico’s first knockout-stage triumph since beating Bulgaria 2-0 at the same stadium during the 1986 World Cup. Since then, generations of supporters have endured repeated heartbreak, watching talented squads fall short either in the group stage or the Round of 16.
This time, however, the mood feels different.
As Mexico pressed forward against Ecuador, one familiar chant echoed around the Azteca once more: “¿Y si sí?”– “What if?”
It is more than a slogan. It reflects decades of frustration and a growing belief that this team can finally break through its long-standing World Cup ceiling.
Quinones has become the player carrying those hopes.
The 29-year-old produced another decisive display, unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner to put Mexico firmly in control. It was his third goal of an outstanding tournament after finding the net against South Africa in the opening match and scoring again in victories over South Korea and the Czech Republic during the group stage.
His consistency has transformed Mexico’s attack and given Javier Aguirre’s side the cutting edge they have often lacked on football’s biggest stage.
Despite his individual success, Quinones was quick to praise his team after the final whistle.
“We have more to do and we must keep working harder so people can be happier,” he told FIFA.
“I’m happy with the result. My individual success comes from the team’s work, and I’m always proud to wear this jersey. Everything we are achieving is because of the group. Individual success is secondary.”
Quinones’ journey to this moment has been anything but conventional.
Born in Colombia, he built his career in Liga MX, winning league titles with Atlas and Club América before becoming eligible to represent Mexico. Although Colombia expressed interest, he chose to commit his international future to his adopted nation.
In a 2023 interview with Mexican broadcaster TUDN, Quinones revealed he never even opened a letter from the Colombian Football Federation before deciding to represent Mexico.
His decision initially divided opinion, but performances like Tuesday’s have won over almost everyone.
For many supporters, Quinones represents the idea that national identity can be earned through commitment, dedication and performances on the pitch. For others, he is simply the clinical forward Mexico have searched for over the past decade.
When the final whistle sounded, the atmosphere inside the Azteca was not one of relief.
It was the sound of a nation beginning to believe that this World Cup could finally deliver something extraordinary.
