Gilberto Mora Breaks Into The Top 100 Players for the 2026 World Cup, According to The Athletic

Gilberto Mora has officially entered the global spotlight. The young Mexican talent was included in The Athletic’s prestigious ranking of the Top 100 players heading to the 2026 World Cup, earning the No. 97 spot and cementing his status as one of the tournament’s emerging stars. His inclusion places him among the most exciting prospects in international football—especially for European clubs preparing to sign him once he turns 18.

Mora is also one of just three Concacaf representatives in the entire list, alongside Christian Pulisic (39th) and Alphonso Davies (43rd). For a teenager still developing at elite level, this recognition signals both his rising influence and his promising long-term ceiling. The Athletic even incorporated analytical metrics from the FC26 video-game database to complement its scouting evaluation, further validating Mora’s rapid ascent.

At the top of the ranking sits Kylian Mbappé, reaffirming his place as the face of world football. Cristiano Ronaldo appears in 25th and Lionel Messi remains in the top 10, meaning Gilberto Mora is now mentioned in the same conversation as legends who shaped an entire generation. His presence among such names confirms that the global football community already sees him as a rising star.

For the Mexican national team, this recognition arrives at the perfect moment. Mora is expected to attract worldwide attention in the months leading up to the 2026 World Cup and will be a central figure in Mexico’s generational transition under Javier Aguirre. European clubs are closely tracking his development, aware that he will be eligible to sign abroad once he turns 18. His age, versatility and maturity make him an appealing target in leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A.

The ranking also elevates Mora’s international profile. Media outlets around the world have already highlighted him as a potential breakout star of the 2026 tournament—one who could become one of the most valuable young players on the market if his trajectory continues. The World Cup is beginning to define its protagonists, and Mora is now firmly among them.

Mexico will play its first World Cup on home soil since 1986, and Gilberto Mora has quickly become one of the nation’s most exciting weapons to surprise the world.