Sullivan, Ellis and Miller: The Next Generation Takes the USMNT Stage

Cavan Sullivan’s historic rise has reached another milestone.

At just 16 years and 363 days old, the Philadelphia Union teenager will make his USMNT debut as a starter against Peru on Saturday, becoming the second-youngest player ever to start a match for the United States, behind only Mike Slivinski, who started against Jamaica in 1991. 

The start also puts Sullivan fourth on the all-time list of youngest players to ever appear for the USMNT. He becomes the youngest American to debut for the senior national team since Freddy Adu, who made his first appearance at 16 years and 234 days old in 2006.

It is another record-breaking moment in a year that has already established Sullivan as one of the most productive young players in MLS. The 16-year-old has recorded seven goals and 12 assists across 24 matches for Philadelphia this season, while recently becoming the youngest player in league history to register a goal contribution in seven consecutive regular-season games.

Sullivan’s senior international opportunity comes less than two years after he broke Freddy Adu’s record as the youngest player in MLS history, making his professional debut for the Union at 14 years and 293 days old in 2024. Now, he has added another historic first to his résumé — this time on the international stage. 

But Sullivan will not be the only teenager stepping onto the international stage for the first time. Justin Ellis and Peyton Miller are also set to make their senior debuts, giving Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup a significant youth component as the United States begins its next cycle. All three were among the 13 uncapped players selected for the September and October window.

For Ellis, the opportunity comes after a breakthrough season with Orlando City.

The 19-year-old forward has emerged as one of MLS’ most productive young playmakers, leading Orlando with 12 assists across all competitions and recording 10 assists in MLS. He originally came through the Orlando City Academy, where he won the Golden Boot and MLS NEXT MVP honors while helping the club win the 2025 Generation adidas Cup. Those performances eventually earned him a first-team Homegrown contract in February 2026. 

His rise has also attracted attention from Uruguay. Ellis has Uruguayan roots and was recently visited by Uruguay head coach Diego Forlán, who had been monitoring him as a potential option for the Celeste. Instead, Ellis received his first senior call-up from the United States, putting him in position to make his debut for the country where he was born. 

Miller’s first senior call-up is similarly connected to an impressive season in MLS.

The New England Revolution defender has recorded seven goals and four assists in his third season with the club, including a two-goal performance shortly before joining the USMNT that earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors. He originally made history with New England by becoming the youngest player in club history to sign an MLS contract, doing so at just 15 years old.

The 18-year-old also already has extensive international experience at the youth level, including appearances at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Now, after establishing himself at the club level, Miller gets his first opportunity with the senior national team.

Together, Sullivan, Ellis and Miller represent three different paths through the American development system, but they arrive at the same destination: the USMNT. Sullivan brings the records, Ellis arrives after a breakout campaign and international interest from Uruguay, while Miller earns his opportunity after becoming one of New England’s most productive young players.

For all three, however, Saturday represents the beginning of something new — their first minutes with the United States senior national team.