17-year-old sensation Gilberto Mora could make World Cup history for Mexico

TL;DR

17-year-old Gilberto Mora could become the youngest Mexican player to appear in a World Cup. He was selected in the initial squad by coach Javier Aguirre as Mexico prepares for the tournament.

Key points

Gilberto Mora is 17 years old and plays as a midfielder.
He was selected in Mexico's World Cup squad by coach Javier Aguirre.
Mora could become the youngest Mexican player in World Cup history.

Mentioned in this story

Gilberto MoraJavier Aguirre

MexicoWorld CupSouth AfricaGhana

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Seventeen-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora could become the youngest Mexican player to appear in a World Cup. He was among the initial 12 players picked by coach Javier Aguirre in Mexico’s World Cup squad on Tuesday, all of them from the local Liga MX. They begin training together next Monday. Aguirre also called up eight others to fill out the training sessions until the European-based players arrive at the end of May. Mora just resumed playing for Tijuana after a groin injury sidelined him for two months. Mexico's youngest World Cup player is Manuel “Chaquetas” Rosas, who was 18 years, 88 days when he played in the inaugural 1930 World Cup. “I had an injury that kept me out for most of the (Liga MX) but I’m happy to be back," Mora said on Saturday. “The recovery was a bit long but thank God I’m fine now, I feel great physically and ready for what’s next. I’m 100% in every aspect.” Seven 17-year-olds including Pele have played in a World Cup, the youngest of them Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside in 1982 in Spain. Depending on when Mora makes his World Cup debut — Mexico opens against South Africa on June 11 — he would become the sixth or seventh youngest ever. The teenager has made waves in Liga MX and started for the Mexico team that won the Gold Cup in 2025. But his injury has sidelined him from Mexico's last six matches. “Morita” could return for Mexico on May 22 in a World Cup warmup against Ghana in Puebla, Mexico. Mora already owns several youngest records. In August 2024, he was the youngest to start and score in the Mexican first division at age 15. In January 2025 he was the youngest to debut for Mexico at 16. Mexico: Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos). Defenders: Israel Reyes (América), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), (Chivas) Midfielders: (Cruz Azul), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), (Chivas) Forwards: (Toluca), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas), Armando González (Chivas). \\_ AP soccer:

Q&A

Who is Gilberto Mora and what records could he break at the World Cup?

Gilberto Mora is a 17-year-old midfielder who could become the youngest Mexican player to appear in a World Cup, potentially breaking the record set by Manuel Rosas in 1930.

When does Mexico's World Cup campaign start and who do they play first?

Mexico's World Cup campaign starts on June 11 against South Africa.

What injuries has Gilberto Mora faced and when might he return to play?

Gilberto Mora recently recovered from a groin injury that sidelined him for two months and could return for a warmup match against Ghana on May 22.