Kavan Sullivan, a 16-year-old footballer of Bangladeshi heritage, has been called up to the United States national team as head coach Mauricio Pochettino continues to shape his squad with the 2030 World Cup firmly in sight.
Sullivan is among eight young players included in Pochettino’s 28-man squad for a series of forthcoming international friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. The selection is part of the coach’s effort to blend emerging talent with experienced internationals as the United States looks towards the next phase of its national team programme.
Sullivan’s family has a strong connection with Bangladesh. He is the brother of Ronan and Declan Sullivan, two footballers who have represented Bangladesh at age-group level. Their grandmother, Sultana, moved from Bangladesh to the United States and settled there. Sullivan himself has developed through the American football system and has quickly emerged as one of the country’s most closely watched teenage prospects.
His performances for Philadelphia Union have been central to that growing reputation. Despite being only 16, Sullivan has already started 16 Major League Soccer matches, scoring six goals and creating nine more for his teammates. His ability to contribute both as a scorer and a provider has made him an influential figure at club level despite his young age.
Sullivan is due to turn 17 on 28 September, shortly after the United States begin their upcoming run of fixtures. His rapid rise has also attracted interest from Manchester City, with the English club expected to become part of the next stage of his career when he reaches the age of 18. A move to the Etihad Stadium would represent another significant step for a player who has progressed quickly in professional football.
Pochettino has praised Sullivan’s performances and the maturity he has shown in a demanding professional league. The United States coach has highlighted the teenager’s goals and assists while acknowledging the unusual nature of a player of his age making such an impact in MLS.
International football, however, presents a different test. The pace, pressure and quality of opposition can vary significantly from club competition, while representing a national side brings a different set of expectations. Pochettino’s decision to include Sullivan gives the teenager an opportunity to experience that environment and continue his development alongside established international players.
The call-up also fits into Pochettino’s longer-term plans for the United States. The coach renewed his contract with the country’s football authorities last month through the 2030 World Cup and has spoken about creating a squad in which younger players can develop alongside experienced members of the team.
The current group includes 13 experienced players, although two prominent names will miss the upcoming fixtures. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are unavailable because of injuries, creating additional opportunities for some of the younger players selected by Pochettino.
The United States will begin the series against Peru in Orlando, Florida, on 26 September. Matches against Chile, Mexico and Canada will follow. For Sullivan, the fixtures could provide his first experience of senior international football.
Whether he makes his competitive debut during the upcoming matches remains to be seen. His inclusion in the squad, though, is already a notable milestone. At 16, the Bangladeshi-rooted teenager has moved from being a highly rated MLS prospect to becoming part of the United States’ wider plans for the years leading towards the 2030 World Cup.
