Is Sullivan the next Olise? USMNT schedule preview

Cavan Sullivan is drawing Michael Olise comparisons as one of several teenagers Mauricio Pochettino has called into a youth-heavy USMNT schedule of friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada—an early look at the pool that could shape the United States through 2030.

Of the 28 players named for the late September and early October window, 13 are still uncapped at senior level, and eight are teenagers, according to ESPN. Celebrity Breaking News is tracking how those call-ups land in camp.

Key Takeaways

• Pochettino’s first post–World Cup roster leans hard into youth for four friendlies.
• Sullivan, 16 and Manchester City-bound at 18, is ESPN’s optimistic Michael Olise comp.
• Thirteen uncapped players—average age 19 years, six months—could debut this camp.
• Gozo, Albert, Hall and Mehmeti also headline the next-wave watchlist.
• The USMNT schedule runs Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada in this international break.

Is Cavan Sullivan really the next Michael Olise?

ESPN’s “way-too-optimistic” player comparison for Philadelphia Union attacking midfielder Cavan Sullivan is Bayern Munich and France’s Michael Olise. The more grounded read is Arsenal and Greece’s Christos Tzolis.

There is no young American drawing more hype right now. Sullivan is set to join Manchester City when he turns 18 and has kept pace with Lionel Messi since MLS returned after the World Cup—both sat on 13 goal contributions as league leaders after the summer break.

In MLS he is averaging 1.10 goals plus assists, 2.4 chances created and 2.9 shots per 90 minutes. Interim Union coach Ryan Richter told ESPN the standout trait is mentality and competitiveness, not only the creative flair—including a backheel goal this month.

U.S. Soccer notes a team-leading 12 assists (including secondary) through 24 matches, seven goals, and a league record as the youngest player with a goal contribution in seven straight regular-season games. He has 12 U-17 caps, including the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Who else is on this youth-heavy USMNT schedule?

ESPN flagged five names to follow in the window. Crystal Palace’s Zavier Gozo, 19, moved from Real Salt Lake this summer and posts 8.1 progressive carries per 90; optimistic comps run to Lamine Yamal, with Brenden Aaronson as the realistic parallel.

Borussia Dortmund’s Mathis Albert, 17, became the youngest American to play in the Bundesliga at 16. Julian Hall, 18, of Red Bull New York leads MLS teenagers with 10 goals in 26 appearances. Teammate Adri Mehmeti, 17, leads the league in ball recoveries in 2026 at 6.6 per 90.

U.S. Soccer’s uncapped list also includes Cole Campbell, Justin Ellis—who could debut against Peru at Inter.co Stadium on Sept. 26—and others pushing for a first senior cap.

Why is Pochettino giving kids these friendlies?

After the summer’s FIFA World Cup, Pochettino rested several key figures and prioritized opportunities for the next generation. U.S. Soccer frames the camp as the start of his first full cycle after a new contract, with many of the uncapped group still eligible for youth tournaments, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, ahead of 2030.

Whether Sullivan becomes the next Olise is unknowable. What is clear is that this USMNT schedule is built to test that question—and several others—in real caps.