Sport: Soccer Country: Mexico Category: Scores & Results

Gilberto Mora becomes youngest player to start for Mexico in World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 1:44 AM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

Gilberto Mora becomes youngest player to start for Mexico in World Cup

Summary

Gilberto Mora, the 17-year-old midfielder, made history as the youngest player to start a World Cup match for Mexico against the Czech Republic on June 25. Previously, he entered as a substitute during Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa on June 11. Mora, who plays for Tijuana, is the youngest competitor in the current World Cup. He has set several records, including becoming the youngest to start and score in the Mexican first division at age 15. The prior record for the youngest Mexican player in World Cup history was held by Manuel “Chaquetas” Rosas in 1930.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mora starts against Czech Republic on June 25
•He is the youngest player in 2026 World Cup
•Previously debuted as a substitute against South Africa
•Set records in Mexican first division and national team
•Previous youngest player for Mexico was Rosas in 1930

Latest Updates

1:44 AMYahoo Sports — Gilberto Mora becomes the youngest to start in a World Cup for Mexico at age 17

What they're saying

"
Gilberto Mora became the youngest player to start in a World Cup for Mexico when the 17-year-old sensation took the field against the Czech Republic on Wednesday night. Mora is the youngest competitor in this World Cup. The midfielder became the eighth 17-year-old to play in the tournament when he entered as a substitute during Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa on June 11.
— Yahoo Sportsby CARLOS RODRIGUEZ

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