Cavan Sullivan Earns First USMNT Senior Call-Up Amid Generational Shift
16-year-old phenom Cavan Sullivan is among the new faces called up by Mauricio Pochettino as the U.S. Men's National Team looks toward the 2030 World Cup.
The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) is set to begin its next World Cup cycle with a new generation of talent, highlighted by the senior team call-up of 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan. This marks a significant moment as head coach Mauricio Pochettino integrates emerging players ahead of the 2030 World Cup, a tournament he is committed to leading through.
Pochettino, who has committed to the national team through the 2030 tournament, stated that the upcoming international window will focus on blending experienced players with emerging talent. Sullivan, a standout for the Philadelphia Union, represents a key figure in this transition. His inclusion is seen as a signal of the generational shift occurring within the USMNT program following the team's performance in the recent World Cup.
Sullivan, who is set to join Premier League club Manchester City upon turning 18, has been a prolific scorer for the Philadelphia Union. Since the World Cup break, he has recorded six goals and five assists, with nine goal contributions in his last seven matches for his Major League Soccer club. He has expressed his aspiration to represent the United States, calling it the biggest goal and honor for a kid growing up in America.
Other young players expected to receive call-ups include Red Bulls stars Julian Hall, 18, and Adri Mehmeti, 17. Hall has been identified by his club's head of sport as a potential future national team player. Additionally, Sullivan's Philadelphia teammate Neil Pierre, 18, and Crystal Palace forward Zavier Gozo, 19, are also anticipated to be part of the squad.
Notably absent from the upcoming camp roster is American star Christian Pulisic. Reports indicate that Pulisic will not be included due to a fractured leg sustained during the World Cup, and he has seen limited playing time for AC Milan since the start of the Serie A season. While Pulisic has been a central figure for the USMNT, Sullivan now stands at the forefront of the conversation about the team's future.
The USMNT will participate in friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada during the September-October international window, providing Pochettino with an early opportunity to assess and develop his squad for the long-term vision of building a competitive team for the 2030 World Cup.