Mexico can't overload Gilberto Mora with World Cup pressure, Andres Guardado says
Andres Guardado believes Mexico's teenage star Gilberto Mora can handle the World Cup pressure, but hopes fans won't weigh him down with expectations.
No one was expecting Andres Guardado’s World Cup debut in 2006. The 19-year-old with a flowing mop of curly hair was a depth option on Ricardo La Volpe’s roster, but after playing no minutes in the group stage, Guardado was listed on the starting 11 for a Round of 16 match against Argentina. Maxi Rodriguez’s goal from distance broke Mexican hearts that day, but Guardado opened plenty of eyes, rising to the occasion and putting in a solid 66 minutes.
That showing paved the way for Guardado’s long playing carer in Spain and announced him as an El Tri regular. He retired as Mexico’s all-time leader in appearances, having suited up 180 times for the national team between 2005 and 2024. It will be no surprise when 17-year-old Mexico prospect Gilberto Mora makes his World Cup debut.
Fans have been waiting for the rising star to suit up for El Tri in the summer of 2026 since last year when he helped Mexico to a Gold Cup title , becoming the youngest player to start a continental final in the process. What advice does Andres Guardado have for Gilberto Mora ahead of the World Cup? Guardado said that rather than give Mora any advice about what to expect as another teenager playing for Mexico at the World Cup for the first time, it’s their fellow Mexicans who should keep a few things in mind.
“More than advice for him, I’d have advice for the fans and the press. I don’t think this act of putting the weight or the expectations that we’ll do well on Gilberto Mora is good,” Guardado told USA TODAY Sports. “The player doesn’t deserve it, not because of his quality, but just because he’s so young.