The youngest players ever to feature at a World Cup | OneFootball

Mexico’s win over South Africa in the opening fixture of the 2026 World Cup saw the tournament’s youngest player feature.

Gilberto Mora came on as a second-half substitute at the electric Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, as the co-hosts got off to a dream start with a 2-0 win.

The 17-year-old became the youngest Mexican ever to feature at a World Cup, and is no stranger to breaking records. Mora is the youngest scorer in Liga MX history and the youngest-ever debutant for the Mexico national team.

He’s now also become the sixth-youngest player ever to feature at a World Cup. The record is held by former Northern Ireland forward Norman Whiteside, who made his debut at the 1982 tournament aged just 17 years, one month, and 10 days.

Incredibly, the Manchester United teenager had played only two senior games at club level. The opening game of the tournament against Yugoslavia marked Whiteside’s international debut.

The youngest players in World Cup history

Read – How to watch World Cup highlights this summer

See more – World Cup round-up: Mexico and South Korea start with wins

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