Teenage star’s hope of reaching the World Cup with Mexico take a blow, and will miss friendlies against Panama and Bolivia
The Mexico national team has been dealt a worrying blow ahead of their 2026 World Cup preparations as teenage sensation Gilberto Mora has had to withdraw from the squad with injury.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder, who plays his club football with Liga MX side Tijuana, will now miss Mexico’s upcoming friendlies against Panama and Bolivia. The news was confirmed by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) in a statement.
“Gilberto Mora will be dropped from training camp,” read the FMF statement.
“The decision was made due to the physical discomfort the player has been experiencing since the early stages of the Liga MX season.
“In coordination with his club, it was determined that the player will continue his treatment and recovery process under the supervision of his team.”
What is pubalgia?
It has been reported by ClaroSports that Mora will be out of action for two months with pubalgia. The issue, which relates to chronic groin pain, is common amongst footballers due to the natural wear and tear that twisting and kicking movements can cause in the lower abdomen and groin.
The term may be a familiar one for football fans and recent high-profile examples of players with the condition include Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. The Spain international has had persistent problems with pubalgia this season, missing five club games in September and October.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Gilberto Mora ‘The Mexican Pedri’ has asked for time off from the national team, as he suffers from pubalgia.
He’s been dealing with the injury all season, and the medical staff are worried that he could miss the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/3HVw6tqGSw
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) January 21, 2026
Mora key to Mexico’s World Cup hopes
The good news for Mora and Mexico is that in most cases pubalgia doesn’t require surgery and should be solved by a period of rest and physiotherapy. That said, Lamine Yamal did undergo an invasive radiofrequency procedure, with Barcelona flying in a specialist from Belgium to perform the treatment.
The worry for the Mexican national team is now how long his recovery will take ahead of co-hosting the World Cup this summer. Mora became the country’s youngest ever player when he made his debut a year ago and went on to start in the Gold Cup final victory over the United States last summer.
With this issue likely to keep him out until April, Mexico will hope their young star will be able to fully recuperate in time to get back into form ahead of a potential breakout tournament on the world stage. The concern, of course, is the risk of overloading on a teenager who has already had multiple injury problems in his fledgling career.
Mora’s talent has excited fans and already cemented his place in the national team, but the key now will be how he is managed physically to ensure he is in peak condition as often as possible.