17-Year-Old Mexico Star Breaks World Cup Age Record, Edges Past Opabunmi

Mexico’s Gilberto Mora made history in his nation’s 2-0 win over South Africa at the 2026 World Cup opener. The Club Tijuana midfielder became the first player born after the 2006 tournament to feature on football’s biggest stage. At just 17 years and 240 days old, Mora is now the sixth-youngest player ever in a men’s World Cup game. He surpassed former Super Eagles forward Bartholomew Ogbeche, who debuted in 2002 at 17 years and 244 days. Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside still holds the all-time record at 17 years and 44 days. Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o is second at 17 years and 99 days, while Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi remains third at 17 years and 101 days.

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