The USMNT's next youth movement might very well be here. Less than one day remains until Mauricio Pochettino names his next USMNT roster for contests against CONMEBOL sides Peru and Chile, as well as the other two CONCACAF powerhouses in Canada and Mexico.
But even with little time remaining until the reveal, it seems one name is all but confirmed to be on that list
That player? Cavan Sullivan
Wednesday afternoon, ESPN's Jeff Carlisle seemed to confirm Sullivan's inclusion ahead of Thursday's official USMNT announcement for the September-October window. That window will include training camp in Atlanta and four friendlies over a two-week period.
Having impressed for the Philadelphia Union in the post-World Cup months, Sullivan has successfully caught the attention of the soccer scene in the United States. His recent run of form has seen him score in four of his last five games and in six games since MLS' World Cup break concluded. He's also recorded eight assists since the Union returned to play.
His run of form has helped inspire the Philadelphia Union after a poor start to the MLS campaign. Amidst Sullivan's influence, the club is now on a 10-game unbeaten run in MLS that has seen them win eight games while drawing two, helping Philadelphia potentially make a move for a top-four seed in the East.
It's not just ESPN that is backing this call
As I was writing this article, The Athletic's Tom Bogert, who is arguably the most reliable football journalist on this side of the pond, confirmed ESPN's initial report.
🇺🇸 Sources: Philadelphia Union wonderkid Cavan Sullivan has received his first senior U.S. national team call up. @JeffreyCarlisle first reported.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) September 16, 2026
Sullivan, 16, can become 2nd-youngest USMNT debutant behind Freddy Adu
With @PaulTenorio https://t.co/V0N0J01KPG
Considering his reputation within the North American game, it's quite likely that Sullivan is on his way to the USMNT.
And such a move, if it turns out to be true, could very well be good news for other young Americans, including Orlando City's Justin Ellis and Red Bull New York's Julian Hall, who are looking to crack the USMNT roster. The next generation is here, and we might not have to wait long for it to begin.
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