Youngest world cup players

History was written at the Mexico City Stadium as the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off. At just 17 years old, teenage prodigy Gilberto Mora etched his name into Mexican football folklore, becoming the youngest player ever to represent El Tri at the global showpiece during Mexico's opening-match win over South Africa.

The moment arrived in the 65th minute when Mora was called off the bench. His introduction triggered a deafening roar from the home crowd, which included boxing megastar Canelo Alvarez.