The USMNT’s kids are thriving, and ‘they have a bit of swag to them’
Cavan Sullivan, aged 17, has become the US men's national team's youngest-ever goalscorer, opening the scoring in a 3-0 victory over Mexico after visualising the exact moment before the match. This breakthrough exemplifies a successful youth movement under Mauricio Pochettino, where nearly all of the 13 new players called up have impressed in competitive fixtures against strong opposition.
Sullivan's chip from 35 yards came after he visualised scoring and celebrating with a knee slide, which played out exactly as he had imagined. Other young players have also thrived in this window: 18-year-old Julian Hall has scored in all three appearances, whilst Diego Kochen has emerged as the standout goalkeeper. The squad, with an average age of 23 years and 25 days, has competed well against Peru, Chile, and Mexico, all far from weak opposition, and now faces Canada on Tuesday, with these matches intended to establish regional dominance before World Cup qualification begins.
- Cavan Sullivan, 17, becomes USMNT's youngest-ever goalscorer against Mexico
- New generation players thriving in competitive matches with little experience
- Squad faces Canada next in quest to establish regional dominance
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The United States men's national football team has recently shifted towards using young players under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The squad now has an average age of just 23 years and 25 days, significantly younger than traditional national team compositions. This youth development approach is being tested through competitive matches against strong regional opponents as the team prepares for World Cup qualification.
Several teenagers have featured prominently in this new direction. Cavan Sullivan, aged 17, is the youngest player ever to score for the USMNT, whilst 18-year-old Julian Hall has also impressed in attacking positions. Goalkeeper Diego Kochen has emerged as another standout young talent, suggesting depth across the squad.
This youth-focused strategy is important because it determines whether the team can sustain success in international football. Testing young players against established rivals like Peru, Chile, and Mexico provides valuable preparation for the intensity of World Cup qualification. If the approach succeeds, the team may have found a generation capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The youth movement represents a sound strategic investment for US Soccer. These young players have demonstrated impressive technical skill and mental toughness against genuinely competitive opposition—Peru, Chile, and Mexico are not weak teams. Having multiple talented players emerge simultaneously (Sullivan, Hall, Kochen) creates a foundation for sustained excellence across multiple competitive cycles, whilst their average age of 23 years and 25 days means the team can develop chemistry and experience together over years rather than months. The performances suggest Pochettino's coaching is translating into results that genuinely merit optimism.
The case against
Whilst the performances are encouraging, celebrating prematurely risks overlooking the demanding realities of World Cup qualification. Victories against these opponents, however impressive, do not guarantee success in the full pressure of high-stakes qualification matches against the entire CONCACAF field. Very young squads, particularly teenagers, can prove inconsistent under the pressure of congested competitive schedules, and the absence of experienced players in key positions creates vulnerability. Prudent development balances youth integration with proven senior players who provide stability and mentorship when stakes become truly consequential.