Julián Quiñones was born in Magüí Payán, Colombia, a small town in the department of Nariño. But when he steps onto the pitch for the 2026 World Cup, he'll be wearing the green jersey of Mexico. The decision has raised eyebrows across the Americas: why would a Colombian-born striker choose to represent El Tri over his home country?
The answer lies in a career built almost entirely in Mexican soccer. Quiñones moved to México as a teenager, joining the youth system of Tigres UANL in Monterrey. Over the next decade, he developed into one of Liga MX's most consistent forwards, winning titles with Tigres, Atlas and Club América. In 2023, he obtained Mexican citizenship and made his senior debut for El Tri in a friendly against Honduras.
Colombia, meanwhile, never called him up to the senior national team. Despite his success in México, the Colombian federation never integrated him into their plans. For Quiñones, the choice was clear: México offered him a pathway to the World Cup, and he took it.
A Record-Breaking Season in Saudi Arabia
Quiñones arrives at the 2026 World Cup in blistering form. Playing for Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, he finished the 2025-26 season as the league's top scorer with 33 goals in 31 matches, edging out stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney. His hat trick against Al Ittihad on the final matchday secured the Golden Boot and sent a message to México's coaching staff: this is a striker who knows how to find the net.
His move to Saudi Arabia in 2024 raised some eyebrows, but the results speak for themselves. Al Qadsiah rewarded him with a contract extension through 2029, ending speculation about a return to Europe or Liga MX. For now, his focus is solely on the World Cup.
What Quiñones Brings to El Tri
México enters the 2026 World Cup with a young, hungry squad under Javier Aguirre. Quiñones, at 29, brings experience, physicality and a proven scoring touch. He can play as a central striker or out wide, giving Aguirre tactical flexibility. In a team that has often struggled to score in big tournaments, Quiñones offers a reliable option in front of goal.
His inclusion in the final 23-man roster was never in doubt. Since debuting in November 2023, he has appeared in the Copa América, CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup, gradually earning the trust of the coaching staff. Now, he's poised to play a key role in México's World Cup campaign.
For Colombian fans, there's a bittersweet note. Quiñones could have been part of a talented Colombian attack alongside Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez. But as James Rodríguez recently said, Colombia has its own ambitions. Quiñones made his choice, and now he's living it.
As México prepares to face South Africa in the World Cup opener on June 11, Quiñones will be one of the players to watch. If his club form carries over to the international stage, El Tri may have found its most dangerous weapon at exactly the right time.
