Simon Holmes / USSF / Getty Images
Philadelphia Union’s Cavan Sullivan marked his U-17 World Cup debut with a goal to lift the U.S. to a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso to open group play in Qatar.
The 16-year-old midfielder came off the bench in Doha on Wednesday to score the match’s loan goal in the 79th minute. The West African side made the mistake of leaving him unmarked in the center of the box. Sullivan capitalized off a smooth delivery from teammate Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund), with the ball landing flatly before him. His first touch set him up for a left-footed finish.
Coming off the bench in the 62nd minute, Sullivan was the first substitute of the night for head coach Gonzalo Segares. His arrival made an immediate impact, changing the rhythm of the match and helping the team secure a crucial three points before its other group matches against Czech Republic (Nov. 8) and Tajikistan (Nov. 11).
CAVAN SULLIVAN SCORES 🇺🇸
The young @PhilaUnion star gives the @USYNT the lead over Burkina Faso in the #U17WC 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EtRxbCKL1e
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 5, 2025
This was the second time in as many World Cups that the U.S. U-17s have crossed paths Burkina Faso. During their last group encounter in 2023, the U.S. prevailed 2-1.
Sullivan is among a quartet of Philadelphia Union players on the U.S. U-17 World Cup roster. He was called up alongside defender Jordan Griffin and forwards Jamir Johnson and Kellan LeBlanc.
Sullivan signed a homegrown contract with the Union in 2024 and has a pact with Manchester City to join the Premier League side in 2027 after he turns 18. He has enjoyed limited minutes with the MLS club but progressed towards his first start over the summer.
Last year, Sullivan made his MLS debut at 14 years old and 293 days old, becoming the youngest player to appear in an MLS match – and the then-youngest athlete to debut in any major North American professional sports league. Sullivan had broken the record previously held by former U.S. international Freddy Adu.
That record was broken two weeks later by Mak Whitham, who debuted for Gotham in the NWSL at 14 years and 1 day old in the Summer Cup.
Nov 7, 2025
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