A new Pele from Mexico? 17-year-old Mora joins the top 6 youngest players in World Cup history

The opening match of the 2026 World Cup continues to deliver historic milestones.

Details: In the 66th minute of the clash between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium, the crowd erupted as teenage Mexican prodigy Gilberto Mora stepped onto the pitch. Head coach Javier Aguirre made the substitution, bringing on the midfielder in place of Luis Chavez. At that very moment, 17-year-old Mora officially became the youngest player ever to represent Mexico and all of North America in a men's FIFA World Cup.

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According to Opta Analyst, at the time of his historic debut, the Mexican wonderkid was just 17 years and 240 days old. This substitute appearance propelled him into the elite club of the world’s youngest footballers to feature on the grandest stage. Mora now holds the prestigious sixth spot in history, just behind the legendary Pele (17 years, 235 days) and surpassing Nigeria’s Bartholomew Ogbeche (17 years, 244 days). The all-time leader remains Norman Whiteside, who played at the World Cup at the age of 17 years and 41 days.

As of the 75th minute, Mexico leads 2-0.

Reminder: The referee sent off a South African player for a last-man foul.