The Cavan Sullivan hype train has gone global after the Philadelphia Union’s 17-year-old attacker announced himself as a burgeoning US men’s national team star in the September/October international window.
During just his third USMNT cap, Sullivan became the program’s youngest-ever goalscorer with an audacious, instinctive chip in a 3-0 win over arch-rivals Mexico. Afterwards, head coach Mauricio Pochettino called Sullivan a "talented player with enormous quality" and dubbed him a "fighter" and a "warrior."
Beforehand, in a 4-1 win vs. Peru, Sullivan (then 16 years, 363 days) became the fourth-youngest player to debut for the USMNT in the modern era. And we can't forget his daring run vs. Chile, another data point illustrating why he'll reportedly join Manchester City down the road.
So, do you have Cavan Fever? Are you wondering when you can watch the youngster's continued rise? You’ve come to the right place.
MLS slate
Sullivan and the Union have seven regular-season games left – four at home and three away - starting this Saturday vs. Real Salt Lake at Subaru Park (7:30 pm ET | Apple TV).
- Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Real Salt Lake - 7:30 pm ET | Apple TV
- Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Chicago Fire FC - 8:30 pm ET | Apple TV
- Saturday, Oct. 17 vs. Charlotte FC - 2:30 pm ET | Apple TV
- Saturday, Oct. 24 vs. New England Revolution - 7:30 pm ET | Apple TV
- Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Nashville SC - 8:30 pm ET | Apple TV
- Saturday, Oct. 31 at FC Cincinnati - 2 pm ET | Apple TV
- Saturday, Nov. 7 vs. Toronto FC - 4 pm ET | Apple TV
Philadelphia are on track to make the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, riding a historic 12-game unbeaten streak (10W-0L-2D) since returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup break.
They’re currently sixth in the Eastern Conference (39 points) and could keep climbing the standings, charting an incredible turnaround since entering the World Cup pause last in the overall table.
Breakout season
Much of Philadelphia’s turnaround can be attributed to Sullivan, whose recent production has rivaled that of Inter Miami CF megastar Lionel Messi.
In September alone, Sullivan recorded 4g/5a in four appearances to lead all MLS players with nine goal contributions.
It came as no surprise when Sullivan was named MLS Player of the Month for September 2026, becoming the youngest-ever player to win the award.
The Union homegrown now has 7g/12a in 24 league appearances, and his 19 goal contributions are the second-most by a teenager in a single MLS season (he's tied with now-Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies' 2018 output for Vancouver Whitecaps FC).
Sullivan is one goal contribution away from matching the single-season record by an MLS teenager, which is held by New England Revolution midfielder Diego Fagúndez (20; 2013 campaign).
This season, Sullivan seriously leveled up following the World Cup pause. That coincides with Ryan Richter, who previously led Philly's MLS NEXT Pro team, being named interim head coach after the Union parted ways with Bradley Carnell.
Trophy pursuits
Should they qualify, as expected, Philadelphia will have as good an argument as any to enter the playoffs with a "why not us?" mentality.
They're a transformed side, with Sullivan leading the way alongside fellow USMNT newcomers Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield, as well as leading goalscorers Milan Iloski and Bruno Damiani.
Will Philly and Sullivan be the favorite to win MLS Cup presented by Audi on Dec. 18? Probably not, but we're not doubting their chances to make the club's second-ever MLS Cup final (lost in 2022 to LAFC).
Nor are we discounting the possibility of Sullivan doing a double sweep of the MLS Young Player of the Year and 22 Under 22 awards, or even becoming a Best XI candidate.
He's been that good for the Union, meeting the lofty hype that's defined his young career.
USMNT future
With three caps, Sullivan has quickly gone from USMNT prospect to likely a key part of the 2030 World Cup cycle.
He was one of eight teenagers Pochettino called for the program's first camp since reaching the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. And he's fit right in, earning the trust of veterans like Tyler Adams and Chris Richards while being tasked with creating chances.
Sullivan has made a strong case to feature during the USMNT's next window, a home-and-away series vs. Haiti in mid-November for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
After that? The sky's the limit for Sullivan, who will have further Nations League games, the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup, 2030 World Cup qualifiers and more on his radar.
Rise to stardom
Back in May 2024, after shining at youth levels, Sullivan made headlines by signing the largest homegrown contract in MLS history. He was 14 years and 224 days old and was called a “generational talent” by former Union head coach Jim Curtin.
Sullivan’s MLS debut came two months later when he was 14 years and 293 days old, making him the then-youngest player to debut in a major North American professional sports league.
Gradually, the Union allowed the left-footed attacker to develop and gave him ample experience in MLS NEXT Pro throughout 2024 and 2025.
Then, often playing alongside his older brother and fellow Philly homegrown Quinn Sullivan, Cavan has become one of the most entertaining players in MLS.
