Mexico's Gilberto Mora becomes nation's youngest-ever FIFA World Cup starter
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Mexico's teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora etched his name into the record books after becoming the youngest player ever to start a FIFA World Cup match for his country during the Group A encounter against Czechia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mora was included in Mexico's starting lineup at the age of 17 years and 253 days, surpassing all previous Mexican records for the tournament. His appearance also placed him among the youngest starters in FIFA World Cup history.
According to Opta statistics, Mora is now the sixth-youngest player to start a men's FIFA World Cup match. The record continues to be held by Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside, who started at the age of 17 years and 41 days. He is followed by Nigeria's Femi Opabunmi (17 years, 101 days), Cameroon's Salomon Olembe (17 years, 191 days), Brazilian football icon Pele (17 years, 235 days), and Nigeria's Bartholomew Ogbeche (17 years, 244 days).
The Mexican youngster moved ahead of former Cameroon captain Rigobert Song, who made a World Cup start at 17 years and 354 days.
Mora's latest achievement marks another significant milestone in what is shaping up to be a promising career. His selection for one of football's biggest stages reflects the confidence Mexico's coaching staff has placed in the highly-rated teenager.
By taking the field against Czechia, Mora joined an elite group of teenage footballers who have started matches at the FIFA World Cup, further cementing his status as one of Mexico's brightest emerging talents.