As Mauricio Pochettino embarks on the journey toward the 2030 World Cup, the upcoming international break offers a crucial opportunity to evaluate the depth of the United States men’s national team. With many established players requiring rest following the previous tournament, the USMNT boss has called up one of the youngest squads in history. Spearheading this youthful roster is 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union. Here is a closer look at the teenagers poised to feature during this campaign:
Cavan Sullivan, Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union attacking midfielder is the focal point of this camp, which coincides with his 17th birthday. Sullivan has been instrumental in a Union side that is currently on an 11-game unbeaten streak. When regular players were granted time off during the World Cup due to the club’s poor standing in the Eastern Conference, Sullivan requested to train with the reserve squad, ultimately returning from the tournament as one of MLS’s most prolific attackers.
With a move to Manchester City awaiting him upon his 18th birthday, Sullivan’s directness and confidence have propelled him to become one of the youngest players ever called up to the USMNT. Initially viewed as a prospect merely observing camp, Sullivan’s five goals in his last six games demand first-team minutes to prove his MLS form translates to the international stage. Facing formidable opponents like Mexico, Sullivan has certainly earned the opportunity to challenge himself.
Adri Mehmeti, New York Red Bulls
It is entirely appropriate that the most promising defensive midfield prospect since Tyler Adams is joining the camp. The 17-year-old New York Red Bulls midfielder has firmly established himself in the starting eleven, showcasing a remarkably mature thought process on the field. Having stood out since his youth days, it is no surprise that under Michael Bradley, Mehmeti has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the squad. Alongside his teammate Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti recently trained with RB Leipzig in Germany during the preseason, gaining a glimpse of the next level that he is undoubtedly destined to reach.
Mathis Albert, Borussia Dortmund
A promising young American winger has arrived at the Borussia Dortmund academy, a renowned pathway previously utilized by Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Cole Campbell. Last season, Mathis Albert made history as the youngest American to feature in the Bundesliga, debuting against Freiburg in April. Although he has yet to make a Bundesliga appearance this season, Albert has contributed in the DFB-Pokal and featured for Dortmund’s youth sides. While he is not currently performing at his peak at the senior level, his presence in this squad makes sense given his immense potential, especially with Cherundolo also evaluating players for the U23s.
Neil Pierre, Philadelphia Union
Who could have predicted that a loan to the second division of Denmark would prove so transformative for the Philadelphia Union center back? With Noahkai Banks choosing Germany for his future, attention is heavily focused on this defensive position, yet Pierre has gotten off to a strong start upon his return. During his time in Denmark, he helped Lyngby secure promotion to the top flight, playing both right back and center back. Now exclusively operating at center back, his speed allows him to keep pace with opposing forwards, and he has also become a dangerous set-piece threat, scoring four goals in 11 games this season. As the USMNT has historically struggled from dead-ball situations, could this towering 6’7″ defender be the solution?
Peyton Miller, New England Revolution
Peyton Miller represents the latest in a series of versatile defenders to break into the national team under Pochettino. Capable of operating as a left back or a winger, Miller is already equipped to step into a back three or fill a traditional wide role, having scored seven goals and provided four assists for the Revolution at just 18 years old. The sheer depth of this squad means Miller is not its headliner, whereas in previous years, a teenager with such output would be the main attraction. Notably, there are four players in camp younger than Miller, underscoring the exceptionally bright future awaiting the USMNT.
Julian Hall, New York Red Bulls
Julian Hall has caused a stir by remaining undecided about his international future despite being called into camp, as he is also eligible to represent Poland.
“I think it’s definitely not solidified for me,” Hall said to The New York Post. “I appreciate the opportunity and I’m going to do as much as I can to make an impact, but I’m definitely still open to my Polish side. That’s a side that I cherish a lot, especially because my mom is from there. I wouldn’t say it’s solidified.”
Though Hall has represented the United States at youth levels, Poland‘s pursuit of him has been widely publicized, reminiscent of past interest in Gabriel Slonina. This camp is pivotal for Hall, especially given Ricardo Pepi’s injury, which leaves him as the squad’s only natural center forward. Despite experiencing some scoring droughts during the domestic season, Hall boasts 10 goals and three assists, performances that have also secured him a contract extension with his club.
Zavier Gozo, Crystal Palace
Much like Miller, Zavier Gozo possesses the versatility to play in attack or defense, though he has exclusively operated as a winger since moving to Crystal Palace following the World Cup. Known for his impressive performances with Real Salt Lake prior to his move to England, Gozo was highly expected to feature on the World Cup roster and now has the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities. He quickly integrated into the Palace squad, making two Premier League appearances, and is now focused on establishing himself as a regular contributor for both club and country.
Justin Ellis, Orlando City SC
Since Antoine Griezmann joined Orlando City, he has frequently praised his partnership with Justin Ellis. The Lions have become one of the most improved teams since the break, with Ellis’s nine assists playing a significant role in their success. Although he has primarily operated as a supporting forward rather than a lone striker, Pepi’s injury presents Ellis with the chance to lead the line on his own during this camp. Ellis’s exceptional ball control and ability to create chances for teammates will be a valuable asset to the USMNT.
USMNT schedule
- USMNT vs. Peru – Sept. 26, 4:30 p.m.
- USMNT vs. Chile – Sept. 29, 8 p.m.
- USMNT vs. Mexico – Oct. 3, 9 p.m.
- USMNT vs. Canada – Oct. 6, 8 p.m.
- Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals leg one – Nov. 14
- Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals leg two – Nov. 17
