Mora is back from injury at just the right time, with a few crucial games left to make his case for Mexico’s World Cup squad.
Gilberto Mora’s World Cup dream for Mexico just got real again
Good news for Mexican soccer. Gilberto Mora is back, and his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup are growing. With the tournament just a couple of months away, Mora is still holding on to hope that he will be part of Mexico’s squad, although for now he says he has not spoken with Javier Aguirre.
A groin injury kept Gilberto Mora off the field for two months. There was so much uncertainty about his condition that, at one point, it was feared he could miss the 2026 World Cup. But it now appears Mora recovered from the injury in time, and with 61 days to go before the tournament, “Morita” made his return to action.
The 17-year-old midfielder returned in Xolos’ win over FC Juárez in Week 14 of the Clausura 2026 season. Mora played 28 minutes and immediately showed the technical quality that has set him apart since his first-division debut.
Mora left a strong impression in the game, and now the focus is on continuing to get minutes so he can regain his rhythm ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he hopes to be included. For now, though, he says he has not had any contact with Mexico manager Javier Aguirre. “So far I haven’t had any contact with Javier Aguirre, but I’m going to do everything on my part, give everything in every training session and every game so I can be called up,” Gilberto told Fox.
The schedule ahead for Xolos and Mora
Tijuana is still fighting for a playoff spot in the Clausura 2026. They currently sit eighth with 18 points, although the road ahead does not look easy based on the games remaining.
In the final stretch of the tournament, Mora and Xolos will face teams from the top of the standings. In Week 15 they visit Cruz Azul, then host Pachuca, and close the regular season on the road against Chivas.
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