Cavan Sullivan earns first USMNT call-up amid European interest

Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan has received his first call-up to the United States Men's National Team. The Philadelphia Union midfielder is part of a 28-player roster gathering at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center. The squad is notably young, with an average age more than four years younger than the 2026 World Cup team, and includes 13 players with no prior senior caps.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino intends to use this international window to provide young players with experience alongside veterans. While Christian Pulisic is absent due to injury and Folarin Balogun is being monitored for a minor issue, the group will prepare for upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.

Sullivan’s rising profile has also drawn interest from major European clubs. Reports indicate that Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are monitoring the playmaker, who is considered a significant talent. Although he reportedly has an agreement to join Manchester City upon turning 18, interest from La Liga clubs remains a factor in his potential future.