When the U.S. men's national team saw its World Cup run end with a thoroughly deflating 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16, it was obvious that the program was still in search of a talent to build around.
Sure, Folarin Balogun had a breakout World Cup. Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman were also consistently good. But as a face of the USMNT, Christian Pulisic proved to fall well short in his second World Cup.
Well, the search for the next USMNT star shouldn't take too long. He's already emerged for the Philadelphia Union in MLS. Cavan Sullivan continues to prove that he's worth the hype. We saw exactly why on Sunday night as the 16-year-old's stunning tear in MLS continued.
CAVAN SULLIVAN BACKHEEL?! ๐ฒ The 16-year-old gives @PhilaUnion the
lead in San Diego just before halftime! pic.twitter.com/oSvyKnvfRp
โ Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 14, 2026
Now he's nutmegged the keeper ๐ณ
โ Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 14, 2026
Cavan Sullivan gets his brace in style for @PhilaUnion! pic.twitter.com/IjinRebcch
Sullivan โ who signed with Manchester City on a $5 million transfer as a 14-year-old โ is set to join the Premier League giants when he turns 18. He had some early growing pains in MLS, which brought upon the predictable Freddy Adu comparisons. But since the World Cup break ended, Sullivan has been arguably the best player in a league that hosts Lionel Messi.
In Sullivan's past eight matches, he has 11 goal contributions (six goals, five assists). He's helped lead Philadelphia from near the bottom of the table to solidly in a playoff position. If MLS didn't all but pre-determine its MVP award for Messi, Sullivan would have a legitimate case for the honor. And again, he's just 16.
The USMNT has a long and disappointing history of hyping up young talents that don't pan out, but Sullivan's summer has the world taking notice. And for good reason. He deserves to be in Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT roster this month.
How social media reacted
Cavan Sullivan, OMG!! What a talent we've got on our hands. Loving the fact that he's getting minutes and showing the whole world exactly what he's capable of. We have a superstar, man. https://t.co/PR5uyalQMd
โ Geronimo Morgans (@GeronimoMorgans) September 14, 2026
๐บ๐ธ๐ 16โyear-old Cavan Sullivan scored a brace for Philadelphia Union last night.
โ FotMob (@FotMob) September 14, 2026
Stats for the midfielder since the World Cup break in MLS:
๐๏ธ 12 games
โฑ๏ธ 911 minutes
โฝ๏ธ 6 goals
๐ ฐ๏ธ 5 assists
โ 1 red card (later rescinded) for coming to the defence of his brother! pic.twitter.com/LOoMVNBhP9
The Philadelphia Union were DEAD LAST in MLS heading into the World Cup break.
โ MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) September 14, 2026
They fired Bradley Carnell, handed the team to Ryan Richter, brought Kai Wagner back from Birmingham City and welcomed Neil Pierre back from loan.
They didnโt go out and completely rebuild theโฆ pic.twitter.com/gkHs8wxuMc
This will go viral by tomorrow morning. This train has left the station everyone itโs not slowing down. This guy is not Freddy Adu https://t.co/frDbWvMjHf
โ Curtis Murry โฝ๐บ๐ธ (@Jadentheman1) September 14, 2026
Not even gonna lie heโs one of the most exciting young talents Iโve seen ever, in any sport. Absolute cinema https://t.co/W7wapK4clY
โ Major League Shill (@VoxProMLS) September 14, 2026
Itโs one thing to have the hype, itโs another to consistently deliver and in spectacular fashion. Early days, but Iโm a believer https://t.co/hK5LWVP0ZU
โ Kranks (@dis_possessed) September 14, 2026
He is the future of the USMNT. https://t.co/7qEHahrIpW
โ Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) September 14, 2026
Cavan Sullivan
โ ู (@BradleyLFC26) September 14, 2026
16yo starting in the MLS
I've never seen a more obvious generational talent in my life
Manchester City are lucky to have him. pic.twitter.com/JFexFdGSoN
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 16-year-old USMNT prospect Cavan Sullivan is a star and the world is taking notice
