Mexico kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening fixture at Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, June 11.
The hosts took the lead through Julián Quiñones before experienced forward Raúl Jiménez put the result beyond doubt with a second goal in the 67th minute.
While Mexico’s victory sparked celebrations among the home crowd, the occasion also marked a historic achievement for one of the country’s most promising young footballers, Gilberto Mora.
The teenager was introduced from the bench in the 66th minute, making an appearance that secured his place in the World Cup record books.
At the age of 17 years and 240 days, Mora became the youngest Mexican player ever to feature at a FIFA World Cup.
Statistics provided by Opta Analyst show that the youngster is now the sixth-youngest player to appear in the history of the tournament.
His debut places him in an exclusive group of footballers who have competed on the world’s biggest football stage while still in their teenage years.
Mora now sits just behind Brazilian icon Pelé, who made his World Cup debut at 17 years and 235 days, while surpassing former Nigeria striker Bartholomew Ogbeche, who was 17 years and 244 days old when he featured at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi remains the third-youngest player to appear at a World Cup, having made his debut against England’s Three Lions on June 12, 2002, at the age of 17 years and 101 days.
