Mexico’s Gilberto Mora became the first player born after the 2006 FIFA World Cup final to appear in a World Cup match.

The 17-year-old came off the bench in Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa at the Azteca, turning the tournament opener into a personal milestone.

Mora was born on October 14, 2008, in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, and plays as an attacking midfielder for Club Tijuana.

He made his Liga MX debut at 15, became one of the league’s youngest scorers, and came into the World Cup with 50 league appearances, eight goals, and senior Mexico experience already behind him.

Mora is part of Javier Aguirre’s attacking midfield rotation, a creative substitute trusted to keep the ball, find pockets, and give Mexico energy late in games.