After Watching World Cup, 16-Year-Old Cavan Sullivan Sets Sights On USA Call-Up

16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan has his sights set on the United States men’s national team, as he expressed confidence that he could make an impact in senior international matches, targeting a future call-up.

Sullivan’s rapid ascent up the United States soccer ladder has shaped how the teenager watches the senior national team, viewing senior team matches not just as a spectator, but as a stage he intends to reach sooner rather than later. 

Speaking on Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union podcast, Sullivan reflected on the United States’ round of 16 World Cup loss to Belgium, Sullivan expressed confidence in his ability to be an asset for the national team.

“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.”

The Philadelphia Union midfielder made history at age 14, when he became not only the youngest player to appear in a Major League Soccer match, he also became the youngest player to debut in a major American or Canadian professional sports league. 

The hype surrounding Sullivan has mushroomed by the day in MLS and could go global by the time he is expected to transfer to Premier League powerhouse Manchester City at the end of 2027 when he is 18.

Though Sullivan remains in the early stages of his career, he pays close attention to the senior national team, particularly during its recent World Cup run. Despite USA’s early World Cup exit, Sullivan said he thought supporters of the team established a presence as tournament co-hosts.

“The U.S. made some noise for sure, I think it was dope,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan pointed to Alex Freeman’s header to extend USA’s lead against Australia as a defining moment of the tournament.

“Freeman’s header, that moment, I texted my family group chat, that actually gave me goosebumps, I think that was so cool, I think the crowd pop was insane,” Sullivan said.

Seeing the celebrations and hearing entire stadiums sing across the country also made a strong impression on the midfielder.

“I think the country roads, all that stuff, I ate that up,” Sullivan said. “I’m pretty patriotic and I love that stuff so it was really cool to see.”

Sullivan said he had hoped the co-hosts would make a deeper run in the tournament.

“Unfortunate to lose that early, I feel like that team could have gone much farther,” Sullivan added.

For now, Sullivan will spend at least one more year playing stateside before potentially heading abroad to Manchester City.

As the national team begins its next World Cup cycle, the 16-year-old midfielder continues working toward making the transition from watching those big tournament moments as a supporter to helping create them as a player on the international stage.