FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates: Mexico vs. South Africa, opening ceremony, U.S. team latest and more
At the 1958 World Cup, a 17-year-old played his way onto the field for Brazil and spurred them to win the whole tournament, almost single-handedly. He scored in a 1-0 quarterfinal win over Wales, a hat trick in a semifinal win over France, and two more goals in the final against Sweden, the host country. His talent was undeniable. His name was Pelé.
Over the course of Pelé’s career, Brazil won two more World Cups, in 1962 and 1970, cementing his status as the greatest of all time. The lesson there was: If a player is talented enough, age is no issue, and the talent might reveal itself at a precocious age.
Mexico is hoping to receive a similar spark this summer from its own 17-year-old phenom, the midfielder Gilberto Mora.
Mexico’s midfielder Gilberto Mora vies for the ball with Australia’s defender Aziz Behich during a friendly match May 30. Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images
As a young boy, Mora began training with Tijuana, a club team in Liga MX. When he was just 15 years old, he made his senior circuit debut and became the youngest goal-scorer in Liga MX history. At 16, he helped Mexico win the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and became the youngest player to claim an international trophy. He beat out Pelé for that milestone.
Mora is listed at only 5-foot-6, 137 pounds. But he’s proven to be a skilled attacking midfielder, capable of outgunning players twice his age.
“I want to win trophies with Xolos,” Mora told ESPN last year, referring to his club team, “and obviously with the national team, the World Cup, and also go to Europe.”
His pursuit of those goals continues this summer, when Mora can become only the eighth 17-year-old to play in the World Cup, and the youngest ever for Mexico.
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