MEXICO CITY (AP) — 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora could become the youngest Mexican player to play in the World Cup.
He was one of the first 12 players selected by the coach. Javier Aguirre in mexico world cup Tuesday’s team is all from the local Liga MX. They will start training together next Monday.
Aguirre also called eight other players to take part in training sessions before the European-based players arrive at the end of May.
Mora just resumed playing in Tijuana after being sidelined for two months with a groin injury. Mexico’s youngest World Cup player was Manuel “Chaquetas” Rosas, who was 18 years and 88 days old when he played in the first World Cup in 1930.
“I missed most of the (Liga MX) games due to injury, but I’m happy to be back,” Mora said on Saturday. “It took me a while to recover, but thank God I’m fine now. Physically I feel great and I’m ready for what’s next. I’m 100% in every way.”
Seven 17-year-olds have played in the World Cup, including Pele, the youngest of whom was Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside at the 1982 Spain tournament.
Depending on when Mora makes his World Cup debut (Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11), he will be the sixth or seventh youngest player in history.
The teenager made waves in Liga MX and started for the Mexican team that won the Gold Cup in 2025. However, he has missed Mexico’s last six games due to injury.
There is a possibility that Morita will return to the Mexican national team in the World Cup preparatory game against Ghana on May 22nd in Puebla, Mexico.
Mora already owns some of the youngest records. In August 2024, at the age of 15, he became the youngest player to start and score in the Mexican First Division. In January 2025, he made his debut for the Mexican national team at the age of 16.
Mexico:
Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos).
Defender: Israel Reyes (USA), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Luis Romo (Chivas)
Midfielders: Eric Lira (Cruz Azul), Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas)
Forwards: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas), Armando González (Chivas).
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