Gilberto Mora will make history just by taking the field in Mexico’s Round of 16 match against Ecuador on Tuesday at Mexico City Stadium.
The 17-year-old will become the second youngest player ever to take the field in a World Cup knockout match, after Brazil legend Pele. Pelé still holds the record for the youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match at the age of 17 years and 239 days; Sea 17 years and 259 days.
Mora appeared in two matches for Mexico in this tournament, coming on as a substitute in El Tri’s opening group stage match and starting in the group stage final. He is both the youngest player to start and substitute for Mexico in a World Cup match.
Mexico won all three group stage matches to advance to the round of 16 as Group A winners. Mexico is the sixth team in World Cup history to win all three group stage matches without conceding, and the second host to do so after Italy in 1990.
Mexico are aiming to reach the round of 16 and move closer to equaling their best World Cup performance. Mexico reached the quarterfinals at home in 1970 and 1986.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.