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Cavan Sullivan, U17 World CupGetty
Siddhant Lazar

WATCH: Cavan Sullivan's penalty heroics lead USMNT U17 team to comeback victory over Tajikistan

The U.S. booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup after Cavan Sullivan’s calmly taken second-half penalty secured a 2-1 win over Tajikistan on Saturday in Qatar. The Union prodigy showed composure beyond his years with the spot kick, scoring with a panenka, capping a resilient display as the Americans overturned an early deficit to claim their second straight victory.

  • Incredible composure

    Sullivan, widely regarded as one of American soccer's brightest young talents, showed remarkable confidence in the 61st minute when he stepped up to take a crucial penalty with the match hanging in the balance. After Charlotte FC's Nimfasha Berchimas was fouled in the box by Tajikistan's Ramazon Bakhtaliev, Sullivan approached the spot and executed a perfectly weighted panenka down the middle as goalkeeper Rahim Rahmonov dove helplessly.

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  • Watch the goal

  • All-around excellence from Cavan

    The Americans found themselves in early trouble when Muhammad Nazriev gave Tajikistan a 1-0 lead in just the third minute, intercepting a pass in the U.S. half before finishing powerfully past goalkeeper Aidan Stokes. For the next 25 minutes, the U.S. struggled to break through Tajikistan's compact defensive setup before Sullivan provided the equalizing assist in the 30th minute.

    The Philadelphia Union midfielder delivered a precise in-swinging corner to the back post, where Berchimas rose highest to head home - becoming the only U.S. player to score in two different editions of the FIFA U17 World Cup.

  • Cavan Sullivan, U17 World CupGetty

    Knockout round berth secured

    Sullivan’s penalty marked his second goal in as many matches at the tournament, having also scored the winner in the Americans' opening 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso. The win gives the U.S. six points from their first two matches, guaranteeing their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

  • Philadelphia Union v New York City FCGetty Images Sport

    Meteoric rise continues

    Sullivan’s decisive performance in Qatar adds another chapter to his remarkable journey. The 16-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, signed with the Union in May 2024 at just 14 years old and has already made 18 first-team appearances while helping the club capture the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield.