Mexico's promise is the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup; get to know

The 2026 World Cup will feature a true "clash of generations". The generational breadth of the tournament separates the oldest player from the youngest by more than 25 years. Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon is the most experienced, while the youngest is attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora. The revelation of Mexican football will defend one of the hosts at 17 years and 240 days.

Mora is part of a group of 22 players under 20 at the World Cup. Born in 2008, he is 1.68m tall and was revealed by Tijuana, where he still plays today. Last year, the midfielder played in the U20 World Cup and scored three goals.

Having been part of Javier Aguirre's squad for the Mexican national team since June 2025, Gilberto already holds the Gold Cup title for the main team, won in the same year as his debut. In the title campaign, the young man was a starter throughout the final phase.

In Tijuana's current season, Gilberto Mora played in 20 matches. The number 19 scored six goals and contributed an assist in the ninth-placed campaign in the Mexican Championship. Led by Loco Abreu, formerly of Botafogo, the team did not advance to the knockout stages of the national league.

Expectations for the World Cup
After being called up by Mexico, the midfielder once again had high minutes in the national team's games, which could be an indication of the importance he will have in the World Cup. A starter against Ghana and a substitute against Australia in the last two friendlies, Mora remains available to the coaching staff for the last match before the tournament, against Serbia, which takes place next Thursday (4).

At the World Cup, Mexico is in Group A, alongside South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic. The home team opens the competition against the South Africans, on June 11, at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City. The ball rolls at 4pm (Brasília time).

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Source: CNN