One of Mexico's most exciting stars is putting big faith in the national team's chances at this summer's World Cup.
Gilberto Mora, a 17-year-old who last year became the youngest player to win a continental championship when he helped El Tri lift the Gold Cup, says expectations should be high for the national team heading into the most important tournament of his life.
"Yes, of course. I think that we’re favorites to win this World Cup," he told reporters in Guadalajara after playing with Club Tijuana in a scoreless draw with Chivas. "We’re at home, so yes. I think we’re favorites."
Mora's presence is a boost for Mexico. The Chiapas native missed much of the regular season with a sports hernia issue but said he is back to "100 percent" as the May 6 report date for Mexico manager Javier Aguirre's pre-World Cup training camp approaches.
"The recovery was a bit long, but thankfully I’m good. I feel very good," Mora said. "Physically good and ready for what’s coming."
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Spain – 17th appearance
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Brazil – 23rd appearance
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United States of America – 12th appearance
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Mexico – 18th appearance
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England – 17th appearance
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Portugal – ninth appearance
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France – 17th appearance
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Iran – seventh appearance
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Switzerland – 13th appearance
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Croatia – seventh appearance
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Australia – seventh appearance
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Morocco – seventh appearance
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Austria – eighth appearance
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Ecuador – fifth appearance
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Senegal – fourth appearance
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South Korea – 12th appearance
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Japan – eighth appearance
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Colombia – seventh appearance
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Netherlands – 12th appearance
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Germany – 21st appearance
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Belgium – 15th appearance
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Canada – third appearance
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Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
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Uzbekistan – first appearance
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Jordan – first appearance
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Tunisia – seventh appearance
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South Africa – fourth appearance
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Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
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Scotland – ninth appearance
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Algeria – fifth appearance
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New Zealand – third appearance
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Paraguay – ninth appearance
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Egypt – fourth appearance
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Cape Verde – first appearance
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Qatar – second appearance
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Norway – fourth appearance
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Panama – second appearance
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Curacao – first appearance
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Ghana – fifth appearance
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Haiti – second appearance
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Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
Spain– 17th appearance
Mora is expected to move to a top European team when he turns 18 in the fall, either signing a pre-contract after the World Cup this summer or playing one more campaign with Xolos before making a winter move. He's not the only Mexico national team player expected to move abroad after the World Cup.
Which Mexico national team players will move abroad this summer?
Cruz Azul linchpin Erik Lira said after a 4-1 win over Necaxa on Sunday that his goal was to turn the rumors of a European move into reality this summer.
"First, I needed to win this game, which was very important, after that I want to be on the list" for the World Cup, Lira said. "After, I’m sure Mexico will make history because we’re going to have the best World Cup in the history of our country."
Mexico advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, with both tournaments taking place on Mexican soil.
Now, with the tournament coming to Mexico for the third time, the country's next generation of soccer players are dreaming big. Mexico kicks off its tournament June 12 in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca against South Africa before group matches against Korea and South Africa.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Mexico the favorite? Mora, Lira express World Cup optimism
