Gothia Cup
First goal at SKF Arena 2026
Under a clear blue sky and bright sunshine, Gothia Cup 2026 got fully underway. The first match of the day was played at SKF Arena – and it was Mexican Alianza Mexico’s Daniel Hernandez who had the honour of writing his name into the history books as the arena’s first goalscorer of this year’s tournament.
Alianza Mexico faced Ukrainian FC Pidshypnyk in the first group stage match in Boys 14, Group 1. Early in the match, the crowd at SKF Arena had reason to celebrate when Daniel Hernandez found the net and gave his team the lead.
The goal came after a bouncing ball inside the penalty area. When the ball dropped in front of Hernandez, he did not hesitate – he struck it first time on the half-volley and sent the ball firmly into the goalkeeper’s left corner.
– I saw the ball and it was just instinct. I hit it, says goalscorer Daniel Hernandez.
Despite the fine finish, Alianza Mexico left the pitch without any points after FC Pidshypnyk came back to win the match 2–1. The team is now looking ahead to the next group stage match, where the aim is to bounce back.
– It is great to come to Sweden. Now we are going to win the next match and go as far as possible in the tournament, says Alianza Mexico’s number 25 Daniel Hernandez.
