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There is no bigger stage for a young soccer star to announce their arrival than the World Cup.
Because the tournament only arrives every four years, some up-and-coming players have had to wait until their early 20s to compete for their country — but others, like Mexico's Gilberto Mora in 2026, have been given a shot as a teenager.
At the 2026 World Cup, Mora is officially joining some elite company among the youngest players to make their debut in the international tournament.
Here's a look at where Mora now falls among the youngest World Cup debuts ever.
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How old is Gilberto Mora?
Mora is 17 years old. After already becoming the youngest player to make his international debut last summer at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, he's now the youngest player in the entire 2026 World Cup.
Born on Oct. 14, 2004, Mora won't be turning 18 until long after the 2026 World Cup is over.
MORE: What to know about Gilberto Mora's background, club
Youngest players to make World Cup debut
When Mora recently made his official World Cup debut in Mexico's opener vs. South Africa, he joined exclusive company.
He's now one of eight players to play in a World Cup match before their 18th birthday — although no player has made their tournament debut at 16 years old. Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside remains the youngest player to appear in the World Cup, competing at 17 years and 41 days old in 1982.
Here's a look at where Mora now ranks among the youngest World Cup debuts:
| Rank | Player | Country | Age For Debut | Year, Opponent |
| 1 | Norman Whiteside | Northern Ireland | 17 years, 41 days | 1982, vs. Yugoslavia |
| 2 | Samuel Eto’o | Cameroon | 17 years, 99 days | 1998, vs. Italy |
| 3 | Femi Opabunmi | Nigeria | 17 years, 101 days | 2002, vs. England |
| 4 | Salomon Olembe | Cameroon | 17 years, 185 days | 1998, vs. Austria |
| 5 | Pele | Brazil | 17 years, 235 days | 1958, vs. USSR |
| 6 | Gilberto Mora | Mexico | 17 years, 240 days | 2026, vs. South Africa |
| 7 | Bartholomew Ogbeche | Nigeria | 17 years, 244 days | 2002, vs. Argentina |
| 8 | Rigobert Song | Cameroon | 17 years, 354 days | 1994, vs. Sweden |
| 9 | Youssoufa Moukoko | Germany | 18 years, 3 days | 2022, vs. Japan |
| 10 | Carvalho Leite | Brazil | 18 years, 25 days | 1930, vs. Bolivia |
How old was Messi in his first World Cup?
Lionel Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006, when he was 18 years old. On June 16, 2006, he and the Argentina squad faced off against Serbia and Montenegro, and Messi came off the bench with his first World Cup goal and assist in a 6-0 win.
How old was Ronaldo in his first World Cup?
When Cristiano Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006, he was 21 years old. He made his debut for Portugal on June 11, 2006, against Angola.
Over six appearances in his debut run, Ronaldo scored one goal for Portugal, which finished fourth in the tournament.
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