Sullivan, 16, Says He's Ready to Help USA at Next World Cup
Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, 16, said he believes he could already make a difference for the United States men's national team, pointing specifically to the Americans' round-of-16 World Cup loss to Belgium as a match he thinks he could have influenced. Speaking on Alexi Lalas' "State of the Union" podcast, Sullivan said he is targeting a future senior call-up.
"Thinking of that Belgium game, I think I could come into that game on the right side and make a difference, right? That's just what, you have to believe in yourself, you have to think you can help your team win," Sullivan said. "It's not my team yet, but I'm obviously always dreaming and hoping call-ups." saptari pride league
Sullivan became the youngest player to appear in a Major League Soccer match at age 14, a debut that also made him the youngest player to appear in a major American or Canadian professional sports league. He is expected to transfer to Manchester City at the end of 2027, when he turns 18, meaning he has at least one more year remaining with the Union before any move abroad.
Reflecting on the World Cup, which the U.S. co-hosted, Sullivan praised the atmosphere despite the team's early exit. He singled out Alex Freeman's header against Australia as a highlight, saying he texted his family group chat about the moment and got goosebumps watching the crowd reaction. He also said the fan celebrations and stadium singalongs resonated with him personally. "I'm pretty patriotic and I love that stuff so it was really cool to see," Sullivan said, adding that he felt the U.S. squad "could have gone much farther" in the tournament.
With the national team now entering its next World Cup cycle, Sullivan continues developing at the club level while positioning himself as a future contender for a senior roster spot.
