From Cavan Sullivan exceeding expectations to a quietly solid back line, GOAL breaks down five key takeaways on the U.S. U17s ahead of their World Cup clash with Morocco.
Mathis Albert made history for the U.S. U-17s, firing a decisive 39th-minute strike to seal a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic and a perfect group-stage record - the first in program history. The victory at ASPIRE Academy in Doha capped three straight wins in Group F, sending the Americans into the knockout rounds with maximum points.
England beat Egypt 3-0 on Monday at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar to seal second place in their group and secure safe passage into the round of 32. Manchester City star Heskey was once again on song for the Young Lions, scoring twice goals, although he passed up the chance for a hat-trick in the second half when a penalty was comfortably saved by Egypt's goalkeeper.
England's Young Lions needed just 14 minutes to open the scoring against Egypt at the Under-17 World Cup on Monday in Qatar. Manchester City star Reigan Heskey broke the deadlock with an excellent solo goal to give his team a great start to the match. His strike continued some fine form for the forward who played a key role last time out against Haiti as England won for the first time at the tournament.
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.
Manchester City starlet Reigan Heskey, the son of former Liverpool striker Emile, helped to give England lift-off in their U17 World Cup campaign as he inspired an 8-1 victory over Haiti. Having lost their opening game of the tournament in Qatar, the Young Lions knew that three points were imperative in their second Group E fixture. Neil Ryan's side ultimately eased over that line.
Rising star Cavan Sullivan came off the bench for the U.S. in Wednesday's U17 World Cup opener, but the Philadelphia Union attacker made the difference in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. His late goal sealed three points for the U.S. as they began the tournament in Qatar. Sullivan was tossed into the fray with the game scoreless in the 62nd minute.
England have been left licking their wounds after opening the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Venezuela. A previous generation of Young Lions including Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho lifted the trophy in 2017, but this team lacked a ruthless edge as two quickfire Venezuela goals from captain Roman Davis and Dioner Fuentes near the end of the first half killed England, before a late third from substitute Eider Barrios.
Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert are among the headliners on a 21-player squad that will represent the United States in the upcoming U17 World Cup. Gonzalo Segares announced his squad on Thursday, and it includes plenty of firepower, headlined by the Philadelphia Union midfielder and the rising Borussia Dortmund star. The roster features players from 15 clubs.
Two decades have passed since Mexico shocked the world in Peru with a 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 2005 U17 World Cup final. For many fans, that night at the Estadio Nacional remains one of the defining moments in Mexican football history. The tournament launched the careers of players such as Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos and Héctor Moreno.
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