Mexican Gilberto Mora second-youngest starter in knockout

A 17-year-old Mexican midfielder has etched his name into World Cup history, becoming the second-youngest player ever to start a knockout match at the tournament. Gilberto Mora, who plays for Club Tijuana, started for Mexico in their Round of 16 victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the age of 17 years and 259 days, a milestone only surpassed by Brazilian legend Pelé in 1958.

Mora’s record-setting appearance came in Mexico’s win over the Czech Republic on July 1, 2026, a game Mexico won 2-0. He had already broken a national record days earlier, becoming the youngest Mexican player to appear in a World Cup match when he came on as a substitute in the team’s opening group stage victory over South Africa. That appearance, at 17 years and 240 days old, broke a record that had stood since 1930.

The attacking midfielder’ burgeoning talent was on full display in the knockout stage. In a subsequent match against Ecuador, he was a standout performer, firing a dangerous shot just wide of the post early in a game Mexico comfortably won 2-0. His performances have drawn praise from pundits and teammates alike, with former Mexican international Alberto García Aspe noting after the Czech...