Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe 2026 World Cup is finally upon us, serving up drama from the word go as the opening game between Mexico and South Africa saw three red cards.On-field drama is what the Finals are known for as well as giant-killings, controversy, iconic moments and little-known nations punching above their weight to make it into the latter stages of the tournament.But, what about breakout performances?Who is the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup?There have been plenty of youngsters who've burst onto the scene at World Cups, such as Michael Owen at France '98, scoring that excellent goal for England against Argentina.More famously, though, who could forget Kylian Mbappe's Russia 2018 performance? The Frenchman announced himself to the world as one of the best players on the planet at just 19 years of age. And, of course, most famous of all is 17-year-old Pele at Sweden 1958, helping Brazil to their first ever World Cup victory. You may like How to watch Lamine Yamal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup How to watch Kylian Mbappe at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Mexico squad World Cup 2026: The 26-man team facing South Africa This summer, it's likely that Spain's Lamine Yamal will light up the competition, but he's already very well-established, despite still only being 18.The Barcelona winger is among the youngest players at the 2026 World Cup, however, he isn't the youngest. That honour belongs to one player in Group A, who has accomplished plenty in his short career to date.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Gilberto Mora, 17, is the youngest player at this summer's tournament and has already made his first appearance at the Finals.The diminutive Mexican was brought on in front of 85,000 fans during El Tri's 2-0 win over South Africa in their Group A opener.Fans at the Azteca Stadium - renamed the Mexico City Stadium for the 2026 World Cup - gave the Tijuana midfielder a rousing reception as he took to the field. What to read next This is how you can buy 2026 World Cup souvenir worn by Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal and more How to watch World Cup 2026: FREE live streams, groups, next matches World Cup 2026 Golden Boot power rankings: Can Erling Haaland top the scoring charts? Who is Gilberto Mora?Mora was one of the stars of last years Under-20 World Cup and plays his club football for Liga MX side Tijuana. He's the Mexican top flights youngest-ever player and goalscorer, as well as El Tri's youngest-ever debutant.He managed an assist in Mexicos U20 World Cup opener against Brazil back in 2025, bagged a brace versus Spain, scored the only goal of the game against eventual winners Morocco, and added another assist against Chile in the knockouts, so you could say hes got tournament pedigree.At 17 years, 7 months and 28 days old, Mora is the sixth-youngest player to ever appear at the Finals - and he's in esteemed company.Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland midfielder Norman Whiteside remains the youngest-ever, while Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o is at No. 2 in the list, and Pele sits fifth.TOPICSMexicoWorld CupJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
