Gilberto Mora's Devastating Injury Rocks Mexico's World Cup Dreams

Mexican national team rising star Gilberto Mora has been out of action with a groin problem for more than a month, and sources suggest that worries about his physical condition are mounting within El Tri, with no clear timeframe established for his comeback.

Mora has been dealing with the groin problem since the end of December, and following limited playing time for Tijuana at the beginning of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 campaign, the young player pulled out of Mexico's January training camp and has not appeared on the field since.

A cautious treatment approach to address Mora's "Pubalgia"—the identical injury that affected Lamine Yamal earlier this season and now puts Nico Williams's 2026 World Cup participation at risk—has been Tijuana's strategy. However, as time passes, Azteca Deportes reporter David Medrano indicates the circumstances are beginning to generate significant alarm within El Tri.

"There's substantial anxiety," Medrano stated. "Because six weeks have passed and the discomfort in Mora's groin persists."

Tijuana has not issued any official announcement providing information about Mora's injury and rehabilitation schedule, though there has been continuous dialogue with El Tri concerning the promising player's condition.

Mexico National Team Have No Timeline For Gilberto Mora Return

Mexico National Team Have No Timeline For Gilberto Mora Return

Mexico national team president was questioned about Mora's condition during a media briefing on Wednesday. While Davino provided perspective on the matter, he also couldn't give a definitive response regarding when the 17-year-old midfielder is anticipated to resume playing.

"We must honor what teams choose to disclose or keep private," Davino explained. "We've maintained regular contact, we appreciate Tijuana for consistently monitoring Gil's [Mora] recovery process.

"He's undergoing a phase of careful rehabilitation. He's a young player who, due to his youth, has experienced an excessive workload of matches and now the decision has been made to reduce his burden and implement a cautious approach for his healing.

"We anticipate his return at the earliest opportunity so he can be evaluated by Javier [Aguirre]."

The initial expectation was for Mora to participate with El Tri during the March international exhibitions against Portugal and Belgium, but Tijuana coach Sebastián Abreu revealed what the primary objective for Mora's recovery entails.

"He [Mora] is progressing through his rehabilitation," Abreu mentioned. "We will monitor it daily until the medical team confirms he's prepared to return to practice. However, there are no specific dates; the crucial aspect is ensuring Gil is fit for the World Cup."

Potential Gilberto Mora Replacements for Mexico

Potential Gilberto Mora Replacements for Mexico

With no comeback visible, Aguirre might need to explore other options in the midfield—where Mora had established himself as a starter—for the approaching March international window.

Considering the circumstances, it's nearly certain that Real Betis midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo will make his El Tri debut against Portugal. The midfielder recently changed his international commitment from Spain to Mexico, and Davino discussed the accomplished Liga MX player's prospects of receiving a call-up.

"We've been communicating with him," Davino confirmed. "Primarily because he's a player who excelled during his period here [in Liga MX] with Club América and also because he is Mexican and furthermore because FIFA has approved [his eligibility for Mexico].

"What I can share is that Álvaro is eager to represent the national team. He's within the group of players we are monitoring, and it will depend on Javier [Aguirre] whether he chooses to select him."

Obed Vargas, Mora's partner during the 2025 U-20 World Cup, is another strong candidate to receive substantial playing time during the March friendlies. Vargas recently finalized a transfer to Atlético Madrid and can function in comparable positions.

Nevertheless, considering the performance level Mora demonstrated during his breakthrough 2025, El Tri will be anxious to receive positive updates about his recovery. The condition of Mora's injury will be among the most closely watched subjects in Mexico leading up to the 2026 World Cup .

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Roberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan.