Mexico’s Gilberto Mora on World Cup: ‘We Are At Home, I Think We Are The Favorites’

If you think the pressure of a home World Cup is weighing on Mexico’s brightest young star, think again.

Gilberto Mora is only 17, but he’s already talking like a veteran with a chip on his shoulder.

Fresh off a recovery from a sports hernia that threatened to derail his season, the Xolos de Tijuana sensation sent a message to the rest of the world: Mexico isn’t just hosting the 2026 World Cup — Mora said the nation should be favored to win it all.

"I’d say we are favorites to win the World Cup," Mora told Mexican news outlet RÉCORD following a scoreless draw against Chivas in Guadalajara on Saturday. "We are at home. I think we are the favorites, mentally."

It’s a massive statement for a teenager, but Mora has some hardware to back up his words.

After becoming the youngest player to lift a Gold Cup trophy last summer, the Chiapas native became a breakout player on Mexico manager Javier Aguirre’s squad.

Now back at full strength after being sidelined for much of Liga MX’s Clausura season due to a sports hernia, Mora’s ability is no longer a secret and get a coveted call-up to represent Mexico this summer.

"I’m 100%," Mora said. "My recovery went a bit longer, but thanks to God I’m good… I feel good, physically and ready for whatever happens."

With a move abroad looming once he turns 18 this fall, the World Cup serves as the ultimate audition. But for Mora, he’s hoping to lead his nation to glory.

"God willing, I’ll be there," Mora added. "I believe in myself."

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch

The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).

share
recommended

1. 
   

   Projecting the USA's 2026 World Cup Roster Following Losses To Portugal, Belgium

   

   2026 World Cup Power Rankings: Every Team Ranked From 48 to 1

   

   USA's Jonathan Klinsmann Suffers Broken Neck Playing In Italian Second Division

2. 
   

   World Cup Title Favorites? Who Could Overachieve? All 48 Teams By Tiers

   

   2026 FIFA World Cup Ultimate Fanbase! Spain vs. Argentina in the Semifinals

   

   First Things First's Top 26 Players Who Will Define the 2026 World Cup

3. 
   

   2026 World Cup Locations: Games, Schedule for All 16 Cities

   

   United States World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times

   

   Argentina-Netherlands Classic From 2022 Joins World Cup Top 100 Moments List

Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right

Item 1 of 3 Get more from the FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic FIFA Men's World Cup Mexico Liga MX
NEXT STORY

recommended

1. 
   

   Projecting the USA's 2026 World Cup Roster Following Losses To Portugal, Belgium

   

   2026 World Cup Power Rankings: Every Team Ranked From 48 to 1

   

   USA's Jonathan Klinsmann Suffers Broken Neck Playing In Italian Second Division

2. 
   

   World Cup Title Favorites? Who Could Overachieve? All 48 Teams By Tiers

   

   2026 FIFA World Cup Ultimate Fanbase! Spain vs. Argentina in the Semifinals

   

   First Things First's Top 26 Players Who Will Define the 2026 World Cup

3. 
   

   2026 World Cup Locations: Games, Schedule for All 16 Cities

   

   United States World Cup 2026 Schedule: Locations, Dates, Times

   

   Argentina-Netherlands Classic From 2022 Joins World Cup Top 100 Moments List

Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right

Item 1 of 3Original Article