MLS Teen Sensation Cavan Sullivan Sets Sights on Ultimate USMNT Glory Despite Long Odds
Philadelphia Union's 16-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan aspires to "earn a [U.S.] men's national team selection" in 2026 as he begins his third professional campaign and second year in MLS.
In 2024, Sullivan made history as the youngest player to feature in an MLS fixture, entering as a substitute versus New England Revolution at 14 years and 293 days old, surpassing Freddy Adu's former record of 14 years and 306 days set in 2004.
Simultaneously, Sullivan established himself as the youngest competitor to participate in a major professional sports league match in the United States.
He has accumulated 224 minutes over 14 regular-season MLS outings and continues pursuing his first goal contribution. However, he has excelled in MLS Next Pro, netting 10 goals and providing nine assists across 32 regular-season matches for Philadelphia Union 2.
Though still in his career's infancy, approaching his 17th birthday in September, he aims to secure a senior USMNT selection in 2026, following previous standout performances at U15, U17 and U18 levels.
"I'm just going to declare it. I hope for an explosive beginning in MLS and perhaps I receive a men's national team selection," Sullivan shared with CBS Sports.
"Many people consider that an unrealistic aspiration. I likely expressed this sentiment last year. But that's my objective... Significant effort will be invested during preseason and hopefully I can establish my presence in MLS immediately."
Should he receive a USMNT selection and feature before turning 17, he would join eight players who have represented the Stars and Stripes at 16 years old or younger. The youngest ever was goalkeeper Louis Menges at 16 years and 17 days in the 1904 Olympic final in St. Louis, where the USMNT suffered a 7–0 defeat.
In contemporary times, Adu maintains the record as the youngest USMNT debutant, at 16 years, seven months and 20 days.
If he does receive a selection, it will likely occur in autumn when the Concacaf Nations League returns and a fresh World Cup cycle commences following the 2026 tournament.
Sullivan's Pivotal Year Approaches
The 2026 MLS campaign represents a crucial period for Sullivan. He is anticipated to continue splitting time between the Union's MLS squad and Union 2, but must progress toward becoming a consistent MLS contributor to fulfill his ambitious goals and match previous young talents in MLS.
Upon reaching 18, he is set to transfer to English Premier League club Manchester City. Last autumn, he joined the City Academy for exhibition matches and training sessions, providing him a preview of his future destination.
To reach that elite level, he must enhance his offensive output. The most recent prominent MLS player to secure an 18-year-old pre-contract with a major European club was Alphonso Davies, who recorded eight goals and 11 assists in 31 matches during his final Vancouver Whitecaps FC season before joining Bayern Munich in 2018.
"[I'm] hungry for more and simply prepared to compete," Sullivan continued. "Manchester City is an exceptional organization with wonderful people and I'm grateful they have confidence in me and have secured my signature. So the future holds promise and I'm excited to join them at 18.
"But, naturally, there's tremendous work ahead here in MLS and here in Philadelphia, and I believe it's an excellent environment for development and 2026 represents a significant year."