EXCLUSIVE: England 1966 legend Terry Paine has recalled his win bonus after winning the World Cup, and said he still dreams of the Three Lions winning football's top competition 60 years later
Gilberto Mora is one of Mexico’s brightest hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexico have the opportunity—and the pressure—to deliver a strong showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament’s three host nations. To do so, they will rely on the talent of their top players, including Gilberto Mora. The attacking midfielder is the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a FIFA World Cup, at just 17 years old. Born on October 14, 2008, he has already showcased his talent and influence on the field in a short professional career, earning a spot in the 26-man squad selected by head coach Javier Aguirre. Mora made his professional debut for Club Tijuana in August 2024 against Santos Laguna before turning 16 years old. That achievement made him the third-youngest player to debut in Liga MX history, behind Victor Manon and Martin Galvan. He immediately made an impact, recording an assist in his first appearance. Standing just 5-foot-6 (1.68 m), Gilberto is known primarily for his close control with his right foot and outstanding technical ability. He also stands out for his vision and ability to orchestrate his team’s attacks, a rare trait for a player of his age. Gil Mora playing for Club Tijuana. Since his debut in 2024, Mora has made 53 official appearances for Club Tijuana across Liga MX and Leagues Cup competition. In those matches, he has recorded 10 goals and two assists. During the most recent season, 2025-26, the midfielder scored six goals and added one assist in 20 appearances. Gilberto Mora’s journey with the Mexico national team His performances at club level earned Gilberto Mora an early opportunity with the Mexico national team. He represented the country at every youth level from the U-15 team through the U-20 side, with whom he competed at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Argentina in the quarterfinals. Mora made his senior national team debut on January 16, 2025, becoming the youngest player in Mexico history to achieve that feat. Since then, he has made nine appearances in official matches and friendlies, recording one assist. He was also part of the squad that won the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, starting all three knockout-stage matches. How much is Gilberto Mora worth? Gilberto Mora quickly demonstrated the talent and potential to become a future superstar, attracting interest from several European clubs. In that context, Club Tijuana took an important step regarding his future. On June 9, 2026, they signed Mora to a new three-year contract, while also granting him a significant salary increase and handing him the club’s No. 10 jersey. According to reports, the deal also included a €20 million release clause designed to facilitate a future move to Europe.
Full preview of South Korea for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. South Korea enters the 2026 tournament having secured an impressive 11th consecutive appearance on the global stage. Ranked 25th internationally, the Taegeuk Warriors bring a roster that blends experienced European-based talent with an evolving tactical system. Among the FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, South Korea stands out for its disciplined approach and top-tier individual quality. Head coach Hong Myung-bo recently shifted the team to a back-three system, sparking discussions about their defensive stability and attacking fluidity. With star forward Son Heung-min preparing for what could be his final international showpiece, expectations remain high. He is joined by standout players like Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in. Drawn into Group A alongside co-host Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia, the team aims to advance past the initial phase. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores their tactical approach, personnel, and path to the knockout rounds. Team profile CoachHong Myung-boCaptainSon Heung-minNicknameTaegeuk Warriors, Tigers of AsiaFIFA ranking25thConfederationAFCGroupGroup ABest World Cup resultFourth place (2002)World Cup appearances12Last World Cup appearance2022 How South Korea play A thorough South Korea tactical analysis reveals a team built on relentless work rate and quick transitions. Historically, the team does not dominate possession against top-tier opponents. They averaged just 48% possession during the 2022 tournament. Instead, they rely on a disciplined mid-block that frustrates technical sides and creates counter-attacking opportunities. Under Hong Myung-bo, the South Korea formation has recently shifted toward a three-at-the-back system. This structure aims to maximize the offensive runs of their wing-backs while maintaining defensive solidity. Kim Min-jae anchors the backline, providing the recovery speed necessary to execute a higher pressing game when required. In midfield, Lee Kang-in offers elite vision and passing range, giving the team a creative outlet beyond relying solely on fast breaks. However, vulnerabilities exist within this setup. The team faces a perceived lack of depth in the full-back positions. Their defensive resilience will also face stern tests against the elite international soccer teams 2026 has to offer. If they can balance their defensive shape with efficient counter-attacks, this tactical approach could make them a difficult opponent in the knockout rounds. Hong Myung-bo: The coach behind South Korea Hong Myung-bo returned for his second stint as the South Korea coach in July 2024. Widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest players, he famously captained the national team to a historic fourth-place finish in 2002. His coaching resume includes leading the under-23 squad to an Olympic bronze medal in 2012. He also found domestic success with Ulsan HD, securing back-to-back league titles in 2022 and 2023. Myung-Bo Hong, Head Coach of South Korea (Lars Baron/Getty Images). Despite his status as a national icon, his recent appointment faced scrutiny from supporters demanding more transparency. Critics sometimes label him as tactically rigid, especially when his preferred systems fail to produce immediate results. His leadership and tournament experience will be tested as he attempts to guide this talented roster deep into the competition. Key player: Son Heung-min Son Heung-min remains the undisputed focal point among South Korea key players. The 33-year-old forward, who moved to Los Angeles FC in 2025, brings immense experience to the national side. Having debuted in 2010, Son has accumulated 142 caps and 54 goals. He has evolved from a rapid winger into a versatile attacker capable of dictating the offensive tempo. His two-footed finishing makes him a constant threat inside the penalty area. As the longti
Gilberto Mora made history with Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gilberto Mora made history on Thursday during the Group A opener between Mexico and South Africa. The midfielder came on as a substitute for Alvaro Fidalgo in the 65th minute and became the youngest player in Mexico history to appear in a FIFA World Cup match. At 17 years and 240 days old, Mora broke a record set by Manuel ‘Chaquetas’ Rosas in 1930 that had stood for 96 years. The defender, born in 1912, had been Mexico’s youngest-ever World Cup player after appearing against France at the age of 18 years and 134 days at Uruguay 1930. Other Mexican players near the top of that list include Alfredo Torres (19 years and 16 days at Switzerland 1954), Raul Arellano (19 years and 108 days at Switzerland 1954), Andres Guardado (19 years and 269 days at Germany 2006), and Hugo Sanchez (19 years and 326 days at Argentina 1978). Mora earned the trust of head coach Javier Aguirre after standing out over the last two seasons with Club Tijuana, where he has made 53 appearances while recording 10 goals and two assists. Despite his young age, those performances have not only brought him international recognition but have also attracted interest from several European giants. Teboho Mokoena #4 of South Africa is challenged by Gilberto Mora #19 of Mexico. Other records held by Gilberto Mora In just two years as a professional player, Gilberto Mora has become accustomed to breaking records. When he made his debut for Tijuana in 2024, he became the third-youngest player in Liga MX history, trailing only Victor Manon and Martin Galvan. At the international level, he has achieved remarkable milestones as well. When he made his senior Mexico debut in January 2025, Mora became the youngest player in the nation’s history to accomplish that feat, at just 16 years old. Javier Aguirre’s decision to include him in the squad for the 2026 World Cup has now allowed him to claim another Mexico record by surpassing Manuel ‘Chaquetas’ Rosas. In addition, Gil Mora is the youngest of the 1,248 players participating in this edition of the tournament. Mora falls short of Pele record If he scores a goal in any of Mexico’s upcoming matches, Gilberto Mora would move into second place on the list of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history. The record, which remains untouchable, belongs to Brazil legend Pele. He led his national team to the title at Sweden 1958 and scored at the age of just 17 years and 239 days in a quarterfinal match against Wales during that tournament.
Two camps who will get their respective World Cup adventures underway in the early hours of Friday, South Korea and the Czech Republic will meet in Guadalajara. Ahead of what looks set to be a blockbuster summer from North America, there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available. Verdict: Draw Best Odds: 11/4 […] The post Prediction: South Korea vs Czech Republic appeared first on SoccerNews.
Mexico and Serbia will meet in an international friendly at Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca on Thursday evening, with the hosts playing their final warm-up match before the 2026 World Cup begins. Mexico will want to protect their positive run before opening the tournament against South Africa on June 11, while Serbia arrive in Mexico […] The post Prediction: Mexico vs Serbia appeared first on SoccerNews.
Dusan Vlahovic's four-and-a-half-year spell with Juventus is set to come to an end, with the club unwilling to meet his salary demands. The post Vlahovic to leave Juventus on a free transfer, confirms Chiellini appeared first on SoccerNews.
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