Mexico’s flawless 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign continued at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday with a 2-0 win over Ecuador. First half goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez made it four wins in four for El Tri in the tournament, setting up a tasty Round of 16 encounter with England.
The triumph also added a special chapter in the World Cup history books, even before a ball was kicked. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre’s decision to stick with Gilberto Mora in the midfield made the 17-year-old the second youngest starter ever in a World Cup knockout game, only behind the legendary Pele.
Mora first broke through the ranks for Tijuana in the Mexican domestic league, making his debut as a 15-year-old. Before long, he became the youngest ever goal scorer in Liga MX, and has already racked up 50 appearances in the competition. In early 2025, Mora’s performances earned him a call-up to the national team.
The creative attacking midfielder has since played 11 times for Mexico. His first major tournament was the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and made his World Cup debut off the bench against South Africa in the curtain-raiser. Two games later, he earned a maiden start in the dead rubber against Czechia, and did enough to keep his place in the XI.
Mora’s diminutive stature makes him a potent threat with the ball. The youngster is known to skip past defenders at will using his low center of gravity, a la the likes of Luka Modric and Lionel Messi. However, at times Mora’s height can also prove to be a source of amusement, as was the case against Ecuador.
When walking out for the national anthems, Mora was seen swapping mascots upon finding out the one allotted to him matched his height.
The teenager’s expression betrayed a hint of embarrassment but it largely made for a light-hearted moment.
Most official sources list Mora’s height at 5’6” or 168 centimeters.
Visual evidence from the ongoing World Cup seems to confirm that statistic. For instance, Mora appeared to be much shorter than compatriot Armando Gonzalez when stood next to him, the latter listed at 178 cm.
Similarly, Mora seemed to be completely dwarfed by Mexican marksman Raul Jimenez who stands at an impressive 188 cm.
The oldest member of the squad, Guillermo Ochoa, also towers over the 17-year-old courtesy with his 191 cm frameo.
Nevertheless, Mora would be relieved to know he is nowhere close to being the shortest man in the tournament. That honour belongs to Panama’s Cesar Yanis, who has a height of just 5 foot 3 inches. In fact, there are at least seven players that boast a height of 5’5” or lower in the 2026 World Cup.
Mora would be hoping to put his unique physical attributes to good use when he takes on the Three Lions, and hopefully sneak past them unnoticed to help Mexico pull off a major upset.
