Cavan Sullivan reveals Man City Club World Cup plan as 15-year-old MLS wonderkid targets place in USMNT squad for 2026 World Cup

At 15 years of age, and having already made history in MLS, teenage wonderkid Sullivan has the world at his feet. He has a Premier League transfer agreed, with a move to the reigning champions of England set to be completed once he turns 18.

Sullivan has already visited the Etihad Stadium but has told FIFA’s official website of his next meeting with future employers City: “Hopefully I’ll get out to a few games for the Club World Cup. Like I said, it’s just another step to American soccer being a top league and in a top country for the game. So it definitely is special that we have these two opportunities in the near future.”

The youngster added when asked if City – who are heading to the States this summer for the expanded Club World Cup - have quizzed him on life in America: “Of course, they asked about the MLS. I mean, Apple TV – they have it there [in England], they have access, so they’re aware of how soccer is developing here. They obviously have [asked]. People ask about the Union and what’s the level like in MLS. I can only say good things about the league and the Philadelphia Union.”

While Sullivan has a lot to look forward at club level, he is also hoping to make a senior international breakthrough in the not too distant future. He said, with a home World Cup set to be enjoyed by the USMNT in 2026: “For my generation, it’s definitely pretty special to have it here in our country, even cooler [for it] to be in my backyard. Hopefully, I’ll be participating in it. I know I’ll still be at a young [age of] 16. However, anything is possible. And, yeah, I’m ready to work for that.

“I mean, especially if we get a game in Philadelphia, that would be awesome. But, just playing for my country at a senior level would be truly surreal.”

Sullivan is still representing his country at U17 level for now, but there has been talk of the teenager being fast-tracked through the system. United States coach Mauricio Pochettino will be fully aware of his potential and the X-factor that he could add to a squad that is already loaded with exciting talent.