Gilberto Mora becomes second-youngest World Cup knockout starter | OneFootball

At 17 years and 259 days, Mexico’s Gilberto Mora became the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match when he faced Ecuador in the 2026 round of 32.

According to L'Équipe, the teenager represents Tijuana and operates as an attacking midfielder.

The only player younger in this context is Pelé, who was 17 years and 239 days at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

Mora already has 11 senior caps for Mexico.

The landmark places him in a notably select group of World Cup knockout starters at such an early age.

Source: L'Équipe