New history has been written with the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament held in the Mexico City Stadium. In an amazing feat, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora made new history for Mexican football by becoming the youngest player to feature in a World Cup for Mexico in the 65th minute from the substitutes' bench. Boxing legend, Canelo Álvarez, led the huge home crowd in applauding the young lad.

Gilberto Mora, at the age of 17 years and 240 days, became the sixth-youngest player in the history of a World Cup tournament. Those who are younger than Mora in World Cups include Pelé (17y 235d), Salomon Olembe (17y 185d), Femi Opabunmi (17y 101d), Samuel Eto'o (17y 99d), and Norman Whiteside (17y 41d).

Mora hails from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico, in southern Mexico and played in Tijuana. The 17-year-old made his senior level debut two months before turning 16 in a stunning performance in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Chile. México managed to make the quarterfinals stage while Mora exhibited maturity beyond his years.

His debut for the senior Mexican national team came at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Coach Javier Aguirre placed his faith in him, and he lived up to expectations with a stellar performance. Mora made his debut in the quarterfinals against Saudi Arabia, becoming the youngest footballer to represent Mexico's senior national team. In the semifinals, he set up Raúl Jiménez's decisive goal. The 17-year-old is known for his ability to read and anticipate the game, receive between the lines, escape pressure, and release the ball with perfect timing. He's not just an exceptional talent; he possesses the patience, creativity, and courage to receive the ball under pressure.