U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino will name his first roster of the 2030 World Cup cycle on Thursday, but he's reportedly ready to make a major move in setting up the program's new era.
According to ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, Pochettino will call up 16-year-old Philadelphia Union attacker Cavan Sullivan for the four friendlies in the September and October international window. The USMNT will face Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada with all games being played on home soil.
Sullivan — who has been considered the USMNT's top young prospect since signing with the Premier League's Manchester City as a 14-year-old —has been on a tear in MLS. In his past eight matches, he's tallied 11 goal contributions (six goals, five assists) and has helped
carry the Union into a playoff position.
All this was too much for Pochettino to ignore.
Boom! Cavan Sullivan is being called up to the USMNT, per @JeffreyCarlisle pic.twitter.com/0DCqJ3M01K
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) September 16, 2026
If Sullivan actually takes the field in any of the games, he will be the second-youngest player to appear for the USMNT. Only Freddy Adu was younger.
His status locking him to the USMNT won't be impacted, though, as friendlies don't count towards cap-tying a player. Sullivan is eligible to play for Germany but has only entertained playing for the U.S. As for his club career, he's set to make the move over to Manchester City when he turns 18 in September of next year. UK labor laws prevent international minors from playing for domestic clubs.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan making the latest USMNT roster?
