As the 2030 World Cup approaches, the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, Mauricio Pochettino, will have had ample time to assess his roster.
This evaluation will start next week with the September-October international window, marking the team’s first camp since their exit in the Round of 16 this summer. It’s a fresh beginning for the program, as Pochettino will get his first opportunity to evaluate emerging talent, including the 16-year-old sensation Cavan Sullivan.
Sullivan will join the upcoming camp, earning his first senior call-up, which, frankly, didn’t shock many people.
The official 26-man roster will be unveiled by U.S. Soccer late Thursday morning. However, Pochettino has already indicated that this camp will blend seasoned players with younger ones.
With a commitment to the national team until the 2030 tournament, Pochettino seems poised to take full advantage of this period to shape the program for future success. Sullivan represents a new wave of American talent that could help the Argentine coach realize his aspirations.
It seems we’re witnessing a generational shift for the U.S. men’s national team after this year’s World Cup.
In addition to Sullivan, other potential first-time call-ups in this window might include Red Bulls’ Julian Hall, 18, whom the team’s head of sport believes should be considered for the next generation of national players, and Adri Mehmeti, who’s 17.
Sullivan’s teammate at Philadelphia, Neil Pierre, 18, and Crystal Palace forward Zavier Gozo, 19, are also expected to receive call-ups, according to reports.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of preparing for 2030, stating that this camp would be a chance to introduce players who could be part of this four-year development process.
Interestingly, one notable absence from the September-October camp, which includes friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada, will be American star Christian Pulisic.
Reports indicate that Pulisic, who suffered fractures in his right leg during the World Cup, has had limited playtime with AC Milan since the Serie A season kicked off.
While Pulisic has represented the upcoming generation for the U.S., Sullivan has now taken center stage in that narrative as the U.S. looks to build on the progress made during the 2026 World Cup.
Sullivan, who is just 16, has made quite an impression with the Philadelphia Union since the league resumed after the World Cup.
The Philadelphia native is set to join Manchester City when he turns 18. Since the World Cup, he has scored six goals and provided five assists, totaling nine goal contributions in his last seven matches for the Union.
In his own words, he mentioned, “I’m just working to develop my game and get better day by day and hopefully keep proving myself, showing everyone what I can do in games and just having fun.”
“Obviously, everyone dreams of playing for the USA,” he continued. “As a kid growing up in America, that’s the biggest goal, the greatest honor, so it would be a blessing to represent my country.”
