Cavan Sullivan Poised to Explode onto MLS Scene in Make-or-Break 2026 Campaign
When Cavan Sullivan made his MLS debut at just 14 years and 293 days old in 2024, the anticipation was enormous. He joined the ranks of promising young players like Alphonso Davies and Obed Vargas who had emerged in the league over the previous decade, with many believing he could deliver an instant contribution.
Fast forward two years, and that contribution remains elusive. The teenager, now 16, has become a consistent performer in MLS Next Pro with Philadelphia Union II and remains committed to joining Manchester City when he reaches 18, though his progression hasn't been as rapid as many anticipated.
Following his initial appearance, he has featured in 14 MLS fixtures, with only one start among them, accumulating 224 minutes of playing time while managing just three shot attempts. In MLS Next Pro, he has recorded 10 goals and nine assists across 32 appearances as he continues his development competing against senior players.
This week, as the 2026 MLS campaign begins, attention will focus on the American prospect to raise his performance at the top flight. Similarly, focus will be on the Union and 2025 MLS Coach of the Year Bradley Carnell to remove restrictions and allow him to gain experience through first-team success and setbacks.
During the recent 2025 U17 World Cup, Sullivan was clearly among the standout American performers.
Though he wasn't always in the starting lineup, his influence was significant. At this stage, it's clear how impactful he can be as a creative force at youth level, even though this hasn't yet translated to dominance in senior football.
Following that tournament, he expressed his ambition to represent the USMNT in 2026, with an ambitious target of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, though this seems highly improbable under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
"I'll be direct about it. I'm hoping for an explosive beginning in MLS, and perhaps I'll earn a senior national team selection," Sullivan commented in January. "Many believe that's wishful thinking. I likely mentioned this previously. But that's my objective... Significant effort will be invested during preseason, and I'm optimistic I can create an immediate impression in MLS."
Despite his ambitions and World Cup aspirations this season, it's crucial for Philadelphia to trust their premier talent and provide him opportunities to shine and grow before his European move.
Union's Transfer Season Benefits Sullivan
Union's Transfer Activity Favors Sullivan
For many elite young players emerging through MLS, handling pressure and public attention has been crucial. During his early period with Vancouver Whitecaps, Davies rarely engaged with media or participated in promotional activities and frequently took breaks to enjoy typical teenage pursuits.
This approach was deliberately chosen by then-Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson.
"With young talents, they're impressionable and malleable, but the key is managing them properly," Robinson explained in 2018.
"I applied that philosophy based on how Arsène Wenger handled Cesc Fàbregas and Aaron Ramsey... he would often mention playing them for several matches then benching them, leaving them puzzled, and when they questioned him, he'd explain the importance of maintaining their drive."
While Sullivan may have managed the pressure, he certainly hasn't avoided the media attention. It's unusual for a young talent with only 46 professional appearances to serve as a team spokesperson at a league-wide media event.
Yet Cavan Sullivan did exactly that.
In many respects, he's already become the public face of this Philadelphia team, which enters the season in transition after claiming the 2025 Supporters' Shield.
Cavan Sullivan takes on the Say The Word On The Beat challenge. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Tv6WBTCtGu
After their 2025 MLS Cup playoff campaign ended against New York City FC and former academy goalkeeper Matt Freese, the Union has parted ways with top scorer Tai Baribo, two-time MLS Defender of the Year nominee Jakob Glesnes, and three-time MLS All-Star defender Kai Wagner.
Collectively, this creates openings throughout Carnell's roster, enabling him to rebuild the team with potentially reduced pressure and greater tactical freedom in 2026. This is where Sullivan's chance could flourish.
"[I'm] hungry for more opportunities and prepared to compete," Sullivan stated in January. "Manchester City is an exceptional organization with wonderful people, and I'm grateful they believed in me and offered a contract. The future looks bright, and I'm excited to join them at 18.
"However, there's considerable work ahead here in MLS and in Philadelphia, and I believe it's an ideal environment for growth, making 2026 a pivotal year."
While decisions regarding Sullivan's role remain undetermined, the Union will begin the 2026 MLS season facing D.C. United on Feb. 21, with many hoping it marks the start of a campaign that could showcase Sullivan's emergence as a major MLS force.