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Gilberto Mora becomes youngest player in Mexico's World Cup history

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 11:36 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Gilberto Mora becomes youngest player in Mexico's World Cup history
Summary

Gilberto Mora made history as Mexico's youngest player in men's World Cup history at age 17 years and 240 days. He came on as a substitute in the 66th minute during Mexico's opening match against South Africa, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the co-hosts. The match took place at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where over 80,000 fans celebrated Mora's debut with chants. This match marked Mora's ninth appearance for Mexico, following his role in their Gold Cup victory. His performance has drawn interest from European clubs.

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By the Numbers
  • •Gilberto Mora subbed in at 66 minutes of the match
  • •Mexico won 2-0 against South Africa in their opener
  • •The match was held at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City
  • •Mora is the youngest player at the expanded 48-team tournament
  • •He previously helped Mexico win the Gold Cup
Latest Updates
  • 11:36 AMYahoo Sports — Mexico’s Gilberto Mora makes World Cup history in win over South Africa
  • 10:40 AMYahoo Sports — The youngest players ever to feature at a World Cup
  • 1:35 AMYahoo Sports — 17-year-old Gilberto Mora makes World Cup history in Mexico's win vs. South Africa
  • 9:41 PMYahoo Sports — Mora becomes Mexico's youngest men's World Cup player aged 17
What they're saying
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Teenager Gilberto Mora became Mexico's youngest player in men's World Cup history after coming on as a substitute in the co-hosts' opening 2-0 win against South Africa on Thursday. The attacking midfielder was brought on in the 66th minute at the age of 17 years and 240 days.

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Gilberto Mora did not need a goal or an assist to make his mark on World Cup history for Mexico. The 17-year-old came off the bench in Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa at the Azteca, turning the tournament opener into a personal milestone.

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Mexico’s win over South Africa in the opening fixture of the 2026 World Cup saw the tournament’s youngest player feature.Gilberto Mora came on as a second-half substitute at the electric Estadio A...

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