Rising Mexican Star Dazzles on FIFA U-20 World Cup Stage

After two matches in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Mexico's Gilberto Mora has lived up to all expectations.

El Tri took on Spain on Wednesday requiring crucial points against one of the competition's top contenders. Luckily for Eduardo Arce's squad, Mora delivered the standout performance on the field.

The 16-year-old talent broke the deadlock after escaping his markers with a clever run down the right flank. A swift one-two combination left him isolated against Real Madrid Castilla keeper Fran González, and Mora bent his effort into the far post to put Mexico ahead in the opening period.

Spain responded, however, and two strikes from La Rojita left Mexico facing elimination with under five minutes remaining. That changed when Mora intelligently positioned himself ahead of his defender, reaching a cross to unleash a precisely placed volley into the lower corner.

El Tri earned their second 2–2 stalemate of the World Cup courtesy of Mora's 87th minute leveler. Having collected two points from matches against giants Brazil and Spain, a victory over Morocco would be enough to secure passage to the knockout stage.

Gilberto Mora's Is Making U-20 World Cup History

The Tijuana playmaker has contributed to every one of Mexico's four goals across two matches in the U-20 World Cup.

Mora delivered the cross that created Mexico's first goal against Brazil before providing the assist for El Tri's equalizing strike. Versus Spain, he netted twice to establish himself as the youngest scorer ever for El Tri in a U-20 World Cup.

However, Mora's historic achievement extends beyond that milestone. Through his double strike, he established himself as the youngest player to net twice in U-20 World Cup history.

Following a summer where Mora became the youngest player to claim a senior international championship after capturing the 2025 Gold Cup, the third youngest competitor in the 2025 U-20 World Cup is demonstrating why he ranks among the tournament's premier talents.

Mora has earned Player of the Match honors in both of Mexico's contests thus far and will remain the squad's primary catalyst for a potential deep tournament run in Chile.