'A lot of potential' - Borussia Dortmund's Waldemar Anton gives rave review of USMNT and BVB prospect Mathis Albert at Club World Cup

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - U.S. men's national team prospect Mathis Albert, 16, is the youngest player at the 2025 FIFA World Cup with Borussia Dortmund. However, despite his young age, he's become a well-known commodity within the Bundesliga club, and his performances with the U-19 team this past season saw him rewarded with a spot in this summer's competition.

The Black and Yellow opened competition play on Tuesday in Group F, drawing Brazilian giants Fluminense 0-0 in a contest where Albert watched on from the bench in his first senior call-up with the program. Speaking to the media postgame, Waldemar Anton had a rave review for the youngster, noting he's been impressed with him over the past week since the American joined up with the first team.

"He's very young, he has a lot of potential, and he's been training hard," the German international said after the match. "In training, I see he has a lot of potential, but he has to keep going. He needs to have a clear mindset and continue to train hard, because I think he could become a really good player."

Albert, along with fellow Americans Gio Reyna and Cole Campbell, went unused as a substitute in Tuesday's scoreless affair. Still, the winger's inclusion with the first team is a positive sign for the teenager's future with the club.

GOALpreviously reported that Albert signed a new deal with the Bundesliga club in early June, and with it, turned away potential suitors from the English Premier League who were showing interest in his services.

At the U.S. youth levels, Albert has represented the U.S. at the U15, U16 and U17 stages of the program. With his new contract, it's expected that his 2025-26 campaign will see him play with BVB II in the fourth tier of Germany, and that upon age 18, he'll be pushing for a senior debut.

To date, only nine Bundesliga players have made their debuts before turning 17. Albert turned 16 on May 21.

Across different youth levels for Dortmund this season, including the U19s, Albert scored 10 goals while providing six assists despite being just 15 years old.

The Black and Yellow return to the pitch on Saturday for Game 2 of the Group Stage, where they'll face off against South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. Albert, meanwhile, will be watching on while hoping a potential opportunity arises for him to take the pitch with the senior team.