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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now behind us, attention turns toward what lies ahead. At least, that's what two rising teenagers will be hoping U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has on his mind.
Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan and 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti are tearing through MLS like seasoned pros, quickly turning themselves into recognizable names along the way.
Sullivan, in particular, is leaving the league in awe. The winger has earned the trust of the Philadelphia Union, who have handed him increased responsibilities and more playing time in the post-World Cup period — an opportunity he has seized with both hands. He contributed a goal and three assists across his last two outings, yet perhaps even more striking is his composure. Sullivan, who is set to join Manchester City upon turning 18, is well aware the world has labeled him a wonderkid, yet he consistently deflects praise onto his teammates.
"I'm so proud of the guys, the backline, the goalscorers, everybody came together," Sullivan said Sunday evening, after his brace of assists propelled the Union to a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over New York City FC. "At halftime, we had a tough conversation to pick it up, simple as that ... We really turned it up in the second half. That's what happens. That's the Philly way."
Cavan Sullivan has been on football's radar since he became the youngest player in the history of the major North American sports leagues to make his regular-season debut.
He was 14 years, 293 days old.
A wonderkid with a pre-agreement to join Manchester City when he turns 18,… pic.twitter.com/mMZcCWgLwT
Meanwhile, Mehmeti has established himself as a key starter in the engine room for Red Bull New York. Though his contributions are frequently overshadowed by teenage teammate and MLS All-Star Julian Hall — the 18-year-old forward — it is Mehmeti who orchestrates play from the middle of the park. He has registered one goal and five assists in 18 starts so far this season, including a creative assist against Atlanta United on Saturday that drew widespread praise for his vision.
The teenager identified a tight corridor of space between United's center backs — no wider than a few yards — just five minutes into the game. He threaded a pass through the gap before the defenders could shut it down, picking out midfielder Emil Forsberg deep in the box, who swiftly turned and drilled a shot past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to put his side ahead.
Both Sullivan and Mehmeti have featured across U.S. Soccer's youth ranks. Sullivan recently took part in the 2025 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while Mehmeti has accumulated seven appearances for the U-15 USYNT.
Neither has yet made their senior debut. Just how much longer will Pochettino keep them waiting?
Mauricio Pochettino With Big Decision to Make
When Pochettino put pen to paper on a new four-year deal to continue leading the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup, it came with significant shifts in responsibility — including a hands-on role in shaping and nurturing the USMNT development pathway. In other words: investing in America's youth.
The USMNT reconvene in late September for four international friendlies stretching into early October. While this window offers the first chance to regroup after the World Cup and lay groundwork for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League, Pochettino may view it more crucially as the ideal moment to begin his deeper engagement with the USMNT pipeline — starting by bringing emerging talents like Sullivan and Mehmeti into the senior setup.
It would be a shrewd move. Not only would it reinforce the Argentine coach's dedication to developing the sport in the United States, but the pair could prove valuable off the bench in Nations League competition and become central figures in his squad by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives. At the very least, it would energize an American fanbase hungry for a glimpse of what the future holds.
Of the two, Sullivan seems the more likely candidate for a call-up, particularly given that Mehmeti remains undecided about which nation he wishes to represent at senior level: the U.S. or Albania. The dual-national has also featured for Albania at youth level, earning three caps with their U-15 side.