Raúl Jiménez to Start for Mexico at World Cup 2026 Wearing Protective Helmet. Raúl Jiménez will once again lead Mexico’s attack at the start of the World Cup. The forward will take the field wearing a protective helmet after a serious injury. His return has become one of the most talked-about events of the tournament.
In the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, the Mexican national team entrusted the forward position to Raúl Jiménez. The 35-year-old striker, who plays for Fulham, will once again take the field wearing a special protective helmet — a requirement from doctors after the serious head injury he sustained in England. The coaching staff’s decision to rely on the experienced forward has become one of the main talking points ahead of their meeting with South Africa.
The injury that changed Jiménez’s career occurred in 2021 during an English Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal. After a collision with David Luiz, the Mexican lost consciousness right on the field. Doctors diagnosed a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage, and an emergency surgery was needed. For several months, Jiménez’s return to professional football remained in question.
By August 2021, the striker managed to return to play but has since always worn a protective bandage or helmet on the field. Jiménez himself has repeatedly stressed that the chance to play at a high level again was almost a miracle for him. Now, years after the incident, he is once again in the spotlight — this time as part of the national team at the world’s biggest football tournament.
Ahead of the match against South Africa, Mexican fans and experts are discussing not only Jiménez's physical form but also his psychological readiness to perform at the highest level. For the Mexican national team, this is the forward's 128th appearance, with 45 goals to his name. Notably, Jiménez's return to the starting lineup coincides with updates in several positions on the team, underscoring an emphasis on experience and stability in attack.
The 2026 World Cup has already attracted the attention of not only fans, but also experts: the tournament features 48 coaches from 27 countries, and team rosters have undergone significant changes. As russpain.com notes, Spain will also start the tournament with a record unbeaten streak and a new blend of players — details on Spain’s preparation for World Cup 2026.
For reference: Raúl Jiménez is one of the most prolific players in the history of the Mexican national team. His European career began with Atlético de Madrid, followed by a move to Benfica, and later to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he suffered a career-defining injury. In recent years, he has played for Fulham. Wearing a protective helmet has become a mandatory part of his gear and a symbol of his return to top-level football after overcoming serious challenges.
