Andres Guardado emphasizes the importance of not overwhelming Gilberto Mora with World Cup expectations. Mora, a rising star, is set to make his debut for Mexico in the 2026 World Cup after a standout performance in the Gold Cup.
Key points
Andres Guardado advises against pressuring Gilberto Mora.
Mora is a rising star expected to debut in the 2026 World Cup.
He became the youngest player to start a Gold Cup final.
Guardado has 180 appearances for the Mexican national team.
Mentioned in this story
Andres GuardadoGilberto Mora
MexicoArgentinaGold CupWorld Cup
No one was expecting Andres Guardadoâs World Cup debut in 2006. The 19-year-old with a flowing mop of curly hair was a depth option on Ricardo La Volpeâs roster, but after playing no minutes in the group stage, Guardado was listed on the starting 11 for a Round of 16 match against Argentina.
Maxi Rodriguezâs goal from distance broke Mexican hearts that day, but Guardado opened plenty of eyes, rising to the occasion and putting in a solid 66 minutes. That showing paved the way for Guardadoâs long playing carer in Spain and announced him as an El Tri regular. He retired as Mexicoâs all-time leader in appearances, having suited up 180 times for the national team between 2005 and 2024.
It will be no surprise when 17-year-old Mexico prospect Gilberto Mora makes his World Cup debut. Fans have been waiting for the rising star to suit up for El Tri in the summer of 2026 since last year when he helped Mexico to a Gold Cup title, becoming the youngest player to start a continental final in the process.
Spain â 17th appearance
Brazil â 23rd appearance
Q&A
What did Andres Guardado say about Gilberto Mora's World Cup debut?
Andres Guardado stated that it's crucial not to overload Gilberto Mora with pressure as he prepares for his World Cup debut.
How did Gilberto Mora perform in the Gold Cup?
Gilberto Mora helped Mexico win the Gold Cup and became the youngest player to start a continental final.
When is Gilberto Mora expected to make his World Cup debut?
Gilberto Mora is expected to make his World Cup debut in the summer of 2026.
What is Andres Guardado's significance in Mexican soccer history?
Andres Guardado is Mexico's all-time leader in appearances, having played 180 times for the national team.
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Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
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What advice does Andres Guardado have for Gilberto Mora ahead of the World Cup?
Guardado said that rather than give Mora any advice about what to expect as another teenager playing for Mexico at the World Cup for the first time, itâs their fellow Mexicans who should keep a few things in mind.
âMore than advice for him, Iâd have advice for the fans and the press. I donât think this act of putting the weight or the expectations that weâll do well on Gilberto Mora is good,â Guardado told USA TODAY Sports. âThe player doesnât deserve it, not because of his quality, but just because heâs so young. I donât think he deserves that responsibility. There are more experienced players who can take on the responsibility and it can be counterproductive for him as well.â
That said, Guardado also expects big things from Mora, who is expected to sign with a top European club as soon as this summer for a move when he turns 18 on Oct. 14. Having already become a regular at Club Tijuana and playing with both the Mexico senior team and being the star attraction with the U-20 squad at the World Cup, the Mexico vet feels the Chiapas native is ready for the big stage. Still, the ex-Mexico captain stressed, the World Cup must be a team effort.
âI have all the confidence that heâll take everything on with the responsibility and the professionalism heâs had since he debuted at 16,â Guardado said. âHeâll play the World Cup with the same self-confidence, the same calmness, the same personality heâs shown.
âI have a lot of faith in Gil Mora, but maybe if I had to give some advice itâd be along the same lines, for him not to take that responsibility that the national team is playing well because heâs playing well. No, the national team has to play well because everyone plays well, everyone is important and heâs an important piece, of course, but itâs not just him.â
Guardado will be watching and analyzing the World Cup for Telemundo, as part of the Spanish-language U.S. rightsholderâs coverage of the tournament. Itâs the first time since 2002 that Guardado hasnât been experiencing the World Cup on the field, in the locker room and at Mexicoâs base camp, and the 39-year-old said âIâm really excited to experience this not as a player. Iâm very motivatedâ to add to Telemundoâs broadcast offerings.
