7M - Mexican Teen Gilberto Mora Makes World Cup History

Club Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora made history after being named as a surprise starter for Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre against Ecuador in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The 17-year-old delivered an impressive performance, showcasing great creativity, composure, and attacking link-up play on the big stage.

By starting the knockout match, Mora became the youngest Mexican player ever to start a FIFA World Cup fixture. He broke a long-standing national record previously held by Manuel "Chaquetas" Rosas, who was 18 years and 88 days old when he started during the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay.

According to statistics from MisterChip, the teenage midfielder also climbed to second place on the all-time global list of youngest World Cup starters, sitting just behind the legendary Pele. At 17 years and 259 days old, Mora comfortably ahead of Spain's Gavi, who started against Morocco in 2022 at 18 years and 123 days. The historic all-time youngest starting lineup rankings now feature:

17 years, 241 days - Pele (Brazil vs Wales, 1958)

17 years, 259 days - Gilberto Mora (Mexico vs Ecuador, 2026)

18 years, 123 days - Gavi (Spain vs Morocco, 2022)

18 years, 142 days - Leen de Harder (Netherlands, 1938)

18 years, 198 days - Giuseppe Bergomi (Italy vs Poland, 1982)

18 years, 198 days - Michael Owen (England vs Argentina, 1998)

18 years, 221 days - Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco vs Spain, 2022)