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17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora could become the youngest Mexican player to appear in a World Cup.
He was among the first 12 players coach Javier Aguirre selected in Mexico’s World Cup squad on Tuesday, all from the local Liga MX. They start training together next Monday.
Aguirre also called up eight others to fill in the training sessions until the European-based players arrive at the end of May.
Mora has just returned to play for Tijuana after a groin injury sidelined him for two months. Mexico’s youngest World Cup player is Manuel “Chaquetas” Rosas, who was 18 years, 88 days when he played in the first World Cup in 1930.
“I had an injury that kept me out for most of (Liga MX), but I’m happy to be back,” Mora said on Saturday. “The recovery was a bit long, but thank God I’m fine now, I feel good physically and ready for the next. I’m 100% in all aspects.”
Seven 17-year-olds including Pele have played in a World Cup, the youngest of them Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside in 1982 in Spain.
Depending on when Mora makes his World Cup debut – Mexico open against South Africa on June 11 – he would become the sixth or seventh youngest ever.
The teenager has made waves in Liga MX and started for the Mexico team that won the 2025 Gold Cup. But his injury has ruled him out of Mexico’s last six matches.
“Morita” could return to Mexico on May 22 in a World Cup warm-up against Ghana in Puebla, Mexico.
Mora already owns several youngest records. In August 2024, he was the youngest to start and score in the Mexican first division at the age of 15. In January 2025, he was the youngest to debut for Mexico at 16.
Mexico:
Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos).
Defenders: Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Luis Romo (Chivas)
Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas)
Forwards: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas), Armando González (Chivas).
Report from the Associated Press.
