Gilberto Mora made history when he stepped on the pitch for Mexico’s round of 32 match against Ecuador at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The 17-year-old has become the second-youngest player after the legendary Brazilian player Pelé. The late Brazilian legend still holds the record for the youngest player to start in a World Cup knockout stage match

The 17-year-old has become the second-youngest player ever to start in a World Cup knockout stage match, behind Brazil legend Pelé at 17 years and 239 days old. Mora is 17 years and 259 days.

The teenage sensation featured as a substitute in Mexico’s opening group-stage fixture before earning his first start in the team’s final group match, becoming the youngest player ever to both appear in and start a World Cup game for El Tri.

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.

Mexico enjoyed a flawless group-stage campaign, winning all three matches without conceding a single goal to finish top of Group A. They became just the sixth nation in FIFA World Cup history to record three victories and three clean sheets in the group stage, while also becoming the first host nation to achieve the feat since Italy at the 1990 World Cup.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, Mexico now has the opportunity to move one step closer to matching its greatest World Cup achievements. El Tri’s best performances came on home soil in 1970 and 1986, when the team reached the quarterfinals on both occasions