Mexico wonderkid overtakes Ogbeche as 6th youngest player in World Cup history

Mexico began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament's opening match at Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, June 11.

Julian Quiñones opened the scoring for the hosts before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed the win with a second goal in the 67th minute.

While the result delighted the home supporters, the night also belonged to one of Mexico's brightest young talents, Gilberto Mora, who etched his name into World Cup history.

Mora was introduced from the bench in the 66th minute, and his appearance marked a historic milestone.

At 17 years and 240 days old, the teenager became the youngest Mexican player ever to feature at a Fifa World Cup.

According to Opta Analyst, the Mexican wonderkid is now the sixth-youngest player in World Cup history.

His debut places him among an elite group of footballers who have graced the sport's biggest stage at a remarkably young age.

Mora sits just behind Brazilian legend Pelé, who made his World Cup debut at 17 years and 235 days, and has moved ahead of former Nigeria striker Bartholomew Ogbeche, who was 17 years and 244 days old when he appeared at the 2002 World Cup.

Aged 17 years and 101 days, Femi Opabunmi became the third youngest player to feature at a World Cup, making his debut for Nigeria against England's Three Lions on June 12,2002.