World Cup at 16?! Wonderkid Cavan Sullivan reveals USMNT ‘dream’ as he looks to join Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo at global showpiece in America

Sullivan burst onto the scene when making his MLS debut for the Philadelphia Union at just 14 years of age. Since then, a notable transfer has been put in place that will see the youngster link up with Premier League heavyweights Manchester City once he has tuned 18.

There is plenty for Sullivan to achieve prior to that, with international recognition already in his thoughts. He is turning out for the United States at U17 level for now, but could be fast-tracked into a senior squad that is currently working under the guidance of ex-Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The countdown is on to a World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. Sullivan hopes to play some part at that tournament, telling the latest episode of the Messi +10 documentary series from adidas: “My goal is to be in the 2026 World Cup in my home country. That would be crazy. Obviously, I’ll only be 16 years old but anything is possible so, I think I could do it.”

Sullivan should be applauded for setting the most ambitious of targets. The USMNT will be looking for someone to help provide the X-factor alongside Christian Pulisic and Co, with Sullivan ready to grace the same stage as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and the best players on the planet.