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.17 – At 17 years and 240 days, Mexico’s Gilberto Mora is the youngest player to represent a host nation in the history of the FIFA World Cup. Pride. https://t.co/j5MihrPDXg pic.twitter.com/YozVVamIte— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 11, 2026He’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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The youngest players in World Cup historyNorman Whiteside, Northern Ireland – 17 years, 1 month and 10 daysSamuel Eto’o, Cameroon – 17 years, three months and seven daysFemi Opabunmi, Nigeria – 17 years, three months and nine daysSalomon Olembé, Cameroon – 17 years, six months and three daysPelé, Brazil – 17 years, seven months and 23 daysGilberto Mora, Mexico – 17 years, seven months and 28 daysRead – How to watch World Cup highlights this summerSee more – World Cup round-up: Mexico and South Korea start with winsFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post The youngest players ever to feature at a World Cup first appeared on The Football Faithful.