From a warning about arrogance to support for Folarin Balogun and an update on Noahkai Banks, Mauricio Pochettino set the tone for the USMNT's next chapter.
The 16-year-old broke Freddy Adu's record and strengthened his USMNT case, while Antoine Griezmann, Josh Sargent and Breel Embolo delivered across MLS.
Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer following an off-the-ball altercation with Philadelphia Union attacker Quinn Sullivan. The disciplinary action comes as an independent review panel unanimously rescinded the stoppage-time red card shown to 16-year-old Manchester City signee Cavan Sullivan during the fiery 2-2 draw.
Philadelphia Union prodigy Cavan Sullivan received the first red card of his career during a chaotic 2-2 draw against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. The Manchester City-bound 16-year-old was sent off in deep stoppage time after rushing to defend his brother during a wild touchline brawl.
And just like that, it's over. After five-and-a-half weeks of breathless action, the 2026 World Cup is beginning to appear in the rearview mirror, the biggest international tournament in football history leaving behind a lifetime of memories while champions Spain continue their own celebrations.
Philadelphia Union’s season has gone sideways, but Cavan Sullivan’s first MLS goal offered a glimpse of why the club’s patient approach with its teenage star may still pay off.
Cavan Sullivan’s first MLS league goal is another milestone in one of American soccer’s most-watched young careers. The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union standout helped spark a late rally against Orlando City SC, adding to a resume that already includes a pro contract at 14 and two CONCACAF Champions Cup goals earlier this year against Defence Force F.C. Despite his efforts, the Union suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat.
A move to Manchester City forms part of Cavan Sullivan’s sporting destiny, and Freddy Adu has told GOAL why the teenage wonderkid will one day “crack the starting line-up for a Premier League team”. For now, there is still much work for the exciting 16-year-old to do when it comes to unlocking full potential in his game. If he can achieve that, then the top-flight in England should be illuminated at some point in the not too distant future.
Cavan Sullivan has been warned of the transfer mistake that he must avoid when linking up with Manchester City, as ex-USMNT star Freddy Adu tells GOAL of the career roadmap that the teenage wonderkid needs to follow. Record-shattering MLS sensation Sullivan is due to join Premier League heavyweights when he turns 18, at which point a loan move is expected to be sanctioned.