Gilberto Mora is untouchable for the 2026 World Cup: the Mexican jewel's dribbling to the National Military Service

I n recent days, there has been some controversy over Gilberto Mora's participation with the Mexican national team in the 2026 World Cup, following the change in the rules of the National Military Service (SMN).

The Ministry of National Defense (Sedena) announced a profound restructuring of the SMN and, above all, recalled the obligatory nature of the service for those who meet the requirements.

Gilberto Mora does not yet meet the requirements, as he is still a minor, but next year he would meet all the requirements.

The SMN will not mess with Mora during the World Cup

The World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States will begin on June 11 and the grand final will be held on July 19. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, the talented Mexican soccer player will be 17 years old, and will not reach the age of majority until October 14.

So, Mora will not have to do military service until 2027. According to the Mexican government's website, this is the process for military service: "In the year you turn 18 years of age, you must enlist and attend the draw in the same year, and the following year, after knowing the results of the draw, you may comply 'framed' or 'available'." Javier Aguirre can breathe easy , as he will not have the 'jewel' of the Mexican national team stolen from him.

Changes in the SMN

After 45 years, the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena) changed the rules of the National Military Service. The most notable change is that the new training model will be reduced from 44 to 13 Saturday sessions , in order to encourage greater participation by young people.

From 2026, training will take place in two stages . The first will be from 14 February to 9 May, while the second will be from 1 August to 24 October.

The draw process will also be modified to determine whether they are "framed" (white or blue ball) or "available" (black ball). The process includes five phases: enlistment, drawing, recruitment, training and release.