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Story summary
Cavan Sullivan, a 16-year-old midfielder for the Philadelphia Union, made his debut with the US men's national team (USMNT) in a friendly match against Peru on October 7, 2023, at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando. This makes him the youngest player to represent the US since Mike Slivinski, Mark Jonas, and Nelson Vargas debuted for the US in a 1991 friendly against Jamaica when they were even younger. Sullivan's appearance marks a new era of youth development within the US Soccer Federation, which has invested heavily in identifying and nurturing young talent. During the match, Sullivan displayed energetic playmaking alongside fellow newcomers like Justin Ellis, who scored the first goal for the US after just four minutes. The victory against Peru not only showcased these emerging talents but also highlighted a generational shift as Mauricio Pochettino's squad includes several uncapped players in preparation for future World Cup cycles.
Written for “USMNT Youth Players Shine” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 4 other(s) covering the same event.
The 2026 World Cup and the abrupt exit to Belgium in the last 16 is behind the US men’s national team, with Mauricio Pochettino naming several uncapped youngsters on his roster as a new cycle begins.
asserted
cycle → name → roster
Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun and a few other established figures have been left off the roster.
asserted
Pulisic → establish → roster
The USMNT will use matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada to set a new direction for the future.
asserted
USMNT → use → future
Peru are entering a rebuilding phase after failing to qualify for this year’s World Cup and are similarly aiming to use this friendly in Orlando to set the tone for a successful next cycle.
asserted
Peru → enter → cycle
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s international friendly, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.
asserted
guide → watch → times
USA v Peru
Time: 9.30pm BST/4.30pm ET
Stadium: Inter.co Stadium (Orlando)
How to watch
United States: TNT (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: Stream on Fubo
What to watch for
The lack of experience in Pochettino’s squad is particularly stark in the attacking ranks, where Damion Downs is the only forward with a cap to his name.
asserted
Downs → watch → name
With so many uncapped players in the squad, it’s difficult to predict what sort of performance the USA will produce.
asserted
USA → ’ → performance
Pochettino established a platform by reaching the last 16 of the World Cup.
asserted
Pochettino → establish → Cup
Nobody knew if the Argentinian would remain as USMNT head coach after the end of the tournament, but he has since embraced the challenge of developing the next generation of American talent.
asserted
he → know → talent
The 16-year-old Sullivan is justifying the hype, earning his first USMNT call-up on the back of a run of six goals in six games for the Philadelphia Union.
asserted
Sullivan → justify → Union
He will get an opportunity to prove himself at international level.
asserted
He → get → level
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