At just 16 years old, Philadelphia Union standout Cavan Sullivan is getting his first opportunity with the United States Men’s National Team.
Sullivan is set to receive his first senior USMNT call-up for the upcoming international window. Following a remarkable run of superstar performances that has made the teenager one of the biggest young names in Major League Soccer. The United States is scheduled to play four friendlies during the window beginning against Peru on September 26 before also facing Chile, Mexico and Canada.
The 16 year old had an early struggle only scoring once in a stretch of 15 games, but Sullivan’s production exploded following the World Cup break. Philadelphia has gone unbeaten in its first 10 league matches since returning to action, posting an 8-0-2 record during that stretch. The teenage superstar has been at the center of the Union’s turnaround.
His recent numbers have been especially impressive. Sullivan has recorded a goal contribution in seven consecutive MLS matches, the longest such streak by a teenager in league history. He has six goals and 11 assists this season, giving him 17 goal contributions and placing him among the most productive teenage players MLS has seen. His latest performance may have been the final statement needed to earn the attention of the senior national team.
Against San Diego FC on September 13, Sullivan scored twice and helped lead Philadelphia to a dominant 5-0 road victory. The performance earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors, making him the third-youngest player in league history to receive the award at 16 years old. This success comes to no surprise, as he has been showing up game after game.
Sullivan scored against Austin FC on August 23, found the net again against the New York Red Bulls on August 30 and continued producing as Philadelphia climbed back into the playoff picture. The teenager has already been making history over the last few years. Sullivan made his MLS debut for Philadelphia in July 2024 at 14 years old, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in an MLS match and breaking the previous league record held by Freddy Adu. Sullivan will turn 17 on September 28. If he appears for the United States during the upcoming international window before his birthday, he would become the second-youngest player ever to make his senior USMNT debut. Adu remains the youngest, having debuted for the United States at 16 years and 234 days old in 2006.
His future at the club level is already attracting international attention as well. Sullivan’s Philadelphia Union agreement includes a pathway for him to join Manchester City once he turns 18, meaning his development over the next two seasons will continue to be closely followed both in the United States and abroad. With the 2030 World Cup cycle beginning, Cavan's chance to be a staple on this next team can start now.
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