Gilberto Mora believes Mexico is a favorite to win the upcoming World Cup, expressing confidence in the national team's chances. The 17-year-old star is fully recovered from an injury and ready for the tournament.
Key points
Gilberto Mora believes Mexico is a World Cup favorite
Mora is fully recovered from a sports hernia
Mexico's pre-World Cup training camp starts on May 6
Mora became the youngest player to win a continental championship
Mexico is hosting the World Cup
Gilberto MoraMexicoGold Cup
One of Mexico's most exciting stars is putting big faith in the national team's chances at this summer's World Cup.
Gilberto Mora, a 17-year-old who last year became the youngest player to win a continental championship when he helped El Tri lift the Gold Cup, says expectations should be high for the national team heading into the most important tournament of his life.
"Yes, of course. I think that we’re favorites to win this World Cup," he told reporters in Guadalajara after playing with Club Tijuana in a scoreless draw with Chivas. "We’re at home, so yes. I think we’re favorites."
Mora's presence is a boost for Mexico. The Chiapas native missed much of the regular season with a sports hernia issue but said he is back to "100 percent" as the May 6 report date for Mexico manager Javier Aguirre's pre-World Cup training camp approaches.
"The recovery was a bit long, but thankfully I’m good. I feel very good," Mora said. "Physically good and ready for what’s coming."
Spain – 17th appearance
Brazil – 23rd appearance
United States of America – 12th appearance
Q&A
Why does Gilberto Mora think Mexico is a World Cup favorite?
Gilberto Mora believes Mexico is a favorite to win the World Cup because they are playing at home and have high expectations.
What injury did Gilberto Mora recover from before the World Cup?
Gilberto Mora recovered from a sports hernia issue that caused him to miss much of the regular season.
When does Mexico's pre-World Cup training camp start?
Mexico's pre-World Cup training camp is set to begin on May 6.
What achievement did Gilberto Mora accomplish at a young age?
Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to win a continental championship by helping Mexico lift the Gold Cup.
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Mora is expected to move to a top European team when he turns 18 in the fall, either signing a pre-contract after the World Cup this summer or playing one more campaign with Xolos before making a winter move. He's not the only Mexico national team player expected to move abroad after the World Cup.
Which Mexico national team players will move abroad this summer?
Cruz Azul linchpin Erik Lira said after a 4-1 win over Necaxa on Sunday that his goal was to turn the rumors of a European move into reality this summer.
"First, I needed to win this game, which was very important, after that I want to be on the list" for the World Cup, Lira said. "After, I’m sure Mexico will make history because we’re going to have the best World Cup in the history of our country."
Mexico advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, with both tournaments taking place on Mexican soil.
Now, with the tournament coming to Mexico for the third time, the country's next generation of soccer players are dreaming big. Mexico kicks off its tournament June 12 in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca against South Africa before group matches against Korea and South Africa.
