Kavan Sullivan, a 16-year-old footballer of Bangladeshi heritage, has been called up to the United States senior national team as head coach Mauricio Pochettino begins shaping his squad with the 2030 World Cup as a long-term target.
Sullivan is part of Pochettino’s 28-man squad for a series of forthcoming international friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Eight young players have been included in the group, highlighting the coach’s intention to introduce emerging talent while retaining a strong core of experienced internationals.
Sullivan’s selection carries a particular connection to Bangladesh. He is the brother of Ronan and Declan Sullivan, two footballers who have represented Bangladesh at age-group level. Their grandmother, Sultana, moved from Bangladesh to the United States and settled there. Sullivan has developed his own football career in the American system and has rapidly become one of the country’s most closely watched teenage prospects.
His rise has been driven by his performances for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS). Despite his age, Sullivan has already started 16 MLS matches, scoring six goals and providing nine assists. His contribution has not been limited to finishing chances; he has also played a significant role in creating opportunities for teammates.
Sullivan is due to turn 17 on 28 September. His progress has attracted attention beyond the United States, with Manchester City reportedly interested in the teenager. He is expected to move to the English club when he turns 18, potentially taking the next major step in his development at the Etihad Stadium.
Pochettino has been impressed by what he has seen from the youngster. The coach has praised Sullivan’s ability to score and create goals while acknowledging that he remains only 16 and is still at an early stage of his development. Performing consistently in a demanding professional league at such a young age has made his progress particularly notable.
The transition to international football will present a different challenge. Playing for a national side brings a new level of pressure and exposes young players to different opponents and tactical demands. Pochettino’s decision to include Sullivan gives him an opportunity to experience that environment while working alongside established members of the United States squad.
The call-up also fits into Pochettino’s broader plans for the national team. He renewed his contract with US football through the 2030 World Cup last month and has indicated that he wants to build a side capable of combining the experience of established internationals with the energy and potential of younger players.
The current squad includes 13 experienced players, although two prominent members will miss the upcoming fixtures. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are unavailable because of injuries. Their absence could provide additional opportunities for some of the younger players selected for the international window.
The United States will begin the run of friendlies against Peru in Orlando, Florida, on 26 September. Matches against Chile, Mexico and Canada will follow. The fixtures are expected to provide Pochettino with an opportunity to assess his younger options and develop greater understanding within a squad being built with the next World Cup cycle in mind.
For Sullivan, the selection represents another major milestone in a career that has advanced quickly. Whether he makes his senior international debut during the upcoming matches remains to be seen. What is already clear is that, at 16, the Bangladeshi-rooted teenager has moved into the senior national-team picture and is now part of the United States’ longer-term plans.
