Cavan Sullivan, 16, Starts for USA in 4-1 Win Over Peru

Cavan Sullivan, 16 years and 363 days old, started for the United States in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over Peru. That made him the fourth youngest player to appear for the national team.

The Philadelphia Union midfielder was born in Philadelphia and plays for his home club. He made his MLS debut in July 2024 at 14, a couple of weeks younger than Freddy Adu was when he debuted in 2004, at 14 years 306 days.

Manchester City agreed in 2024 to sign him once he is old enough, with a little over a year to wait. The international debut came the day after City were found guilty of breaking most of the 115 financial rules they were charged with breaching. The club are expected to appeal.

Sullivan's first run of regular starts for Union came when the 2026 MLS season resumed after the World Cup. The first national-team call-up followed soon after. The reports say that since the restart only a handful of players in the league match his rate of goals and assists. They name Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Orlando City's Antoine Griezmann, and argue that Sullivan has been the best player in MLS over that period.

The game was also an early look at the attack under Mauricio Pochettino, with experienced players alongside the newcomers.

If City's appeal drags on, Sullivan may reach Manchester carrying more international minutes than the club planned for. That would leave the club's problems as the main unknown around him, not his form.

Elsewhere in MLS, Real Salt Lake beat New England Revolution 3-0 on Sunday, S. Solans scoring twice; the match analysis is here.