Icon Sportswire | Tom Hindle | Sep 17, 2026 06:08+08:00
Cavan Sullivan reportedly earns first USMNT call up, Christian Pulisic left out for fall camp
USA | C. Sullivan | C. Pulisic
Philadelphia Union star Cavan Sullivan has reportedly been named to his first USMNT squad, according to ESPN. The youngster, who has lit up MLS with 17 goal contributions, is part of what seems likely to be a youthful roster. Christian Pulisic, who is coming off a leg injury sustained at the World Cup, reportedly did not receive a call up.
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A long-awaited first call up
Sullivan will be among the 26 players named by Pochettino for a quartet of friendlies from Sept. 26 to Oct. 6. The 16-year-old has done plenty to justify his inclusion of late, leading a revitalized Philadelphia Union side to a playoff spot. The Union haven't lost a league game since the World Cup.
Sullivan has been a fixture of the U.S. Youth National Team setup for years, first featuring at the U-15 level. If Sullivan plays in any of the four games, he will become the second youngest player to play for the U.S., behind Freddy Adu, who debuted in January 2006.
The youngster admitted he was eager for a U.S. chance earlier this month: "I'm not too focused on it. Obviously, it's a goal, and it would be sick to be called in... I'm just focused on improving, getting better week in and week out. I know my performances matter. There are eyes on you every game, so I gotta keep going this weekend, the next weekend," Sullivan said to GOAL. "When the roster's picked, if it works out, great. If it doesn't, you won't see a thing change for me."
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No call up for Pulisic
The U.S. will go without some key names, though. Pulisic, the U.S.'s undoubted star player, is not among those called up, according to Fox Sports. The attacking midfielder sustained a leg fracture in the U.S.'s World Cup round of 16 clash with Belgium and hasn't found full fitness. The American has played just twice for Milan this season.
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A chance for other kids?
Scattered reports have indicated that Mauricio Pochettino will call up a youthful squad. New York Red Bulls youngsters Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti have been linked with call ups. So too have Zavier Gozo, Mathis Albert and Sullivan's Union teammate Neil Pierre.
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A few tricky friendlies
The U.S. have a tricky slate in the first international window of the year. They are set to play Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada in a window spanning less than two weeks. The full roster will be revealed Thursday morning.
Cavan Sullivan Reportedly Earns First USMNT Call-Up; Christian Pulisic Left Out of Fall Camp
