Gilberto Mora becomes the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match

Mexico’s Gilberto Mora became the second-youngest player ever to start a World Cup knockout match after being named in the starting line-up for his side’s Round of 32 match against Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on Tuesday.

At 17 years and 259 days, he is behind only Brazilian legend Pele, who was 17 years and 239 days when he started in the quarter-final against Wales in the 1958 edition of the quadrennial tournament.

Mora is an attacking midfielder who plays for Liga MX club Tijuana. He made his international debut in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2025, becoming the youngest player to do so.

He further made history as the youngest Mexican to play at the World Cup after coming off the bench in the co-hosts’ opening match against South Africa.

Published on July 1, 2026