Sullivan Leads U17s to Victory

Substitute Made His Mark With His Second-Half Winner

The United States Under-17 Men's National Team opened their 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Doha, Qatar, thanks to a crucial late goal from Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan.

The 16-year-old midfielder made an immediate impact after entering as a substitute in the 62nd minute, replacing LAFC's Jude Terry. Sullivan found himself unmarked in the penalty area when Borussia Dortmund forward Mathis Albert delivered a cross from the left flank in the 79th minute. The ball fell perfectly for the young talent, who calmly slotted home with his left foot from close range to break the deadlock and secure all three points for the Americans.

The match at Aspire Zone was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating opportunities throughout. Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes was instrumental in preserving the clean sheet, making four crucial saves to deny Burkina Faso's attacking threats. The Americans employed a possession-based approach while the West African side relied on quick counterattacks, making for an entertaining back-and-forth encounter.

This marked Sullivan's debut at the U-17 World Cup and continued his remarkable rise through professional soccer. The homegrown star signed with Philadelphia Union in 2024 and has already made waves in MLS, including becoming the youngest player to debut in league history. His future move to Manchester City in 2027, when he turns 18, reflects his status as one of the world's top young prospects, with many calling him a generational talent.

Sullivan is one of 11 MLS players representing the United States at the tournament, including Chicago Fire's Christopher Cupps and New York Red Bulls' Julian Hall. The victory puts the United States in second place in Group I as they prepare to face Tajikistan on November 8 and Czechia on November 11, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages.