Footy Access coverage

Youth soccer stories & features

Reporting, player profiles and analysis from across youth soccer. Follow the story, then explore the competition.

Latest stories

Page 4 of 28
United States

A New Generation Arrives: Cavan Sullivan Headlines First USMNT Roster of New Cycle

Mauricio Pochettino’s first USMNT roster after the 2026 World Cup features 13 uncapped players, with an average age of 19 years and six months. Cavan Sullivan headlines the group at 16, alongside fellow Philadelphia Union players Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield, plus other emerging talents including Mathis Albert, Zavier Gozo, Adri Mehmeti, Brooklyn Raines, Julian Hall, Cole Campbell, Justin Ellis, Peyton Miller, Diego Kochen and Brian Schwake.

Lucas Aguirre ·

United States

Cavan Sullivan Earns First USMNT Call-Up at 16 After Explosive Breakthrough Season

Cavan Sullivan is set to receive his first USMNT call-up at 16 after an extraordinary 2026 MLS campaign with Philadelphia Union. The midfielder has six goals and 11 assists this season, has recorded a goal contribution in seven straight MLS matches and recently became the third-youngest player in league history to win MLS Player of the Matchday. His call-up comes at the start of Mauricio Pochettino’s new four-year cycle toward the 2030 World Cup.

Lucas Aguirre ·

United States

Connor Dale Signs Homegrown Deal With FC Cincinnati After Rapid Rise

Connor Dale, the 2010-born goalkeeper, has signed a Homegrown contract with FC Cincinnati after joining the academy from Inter Miami in January 2026. In just months, Dale made his MLS NEXT Pro debut, represented the U.S. U-16s, was selected for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game and emerged as one of the country’s notable young goalkeeper prospects.

Lucas Aguirre ·

United States

Victor Vandenbroucke Receives First Honduras Senior Call-Up at 17

Victor Vandenbroucke, the 2008-born center back developing at KAA Gent, has received his first Honduras senior call-up at just 17. Born in Los Angeles, Vandenbroucke has represented the United States U-17, Belgium U-17 and Honduras U-20 before making the jump to the Honduran senior team, giving him one of the most unusual international paths among young defenders in Europe.

Lucas Aguirre ·

United States

Stiven Jimenez Takes His Next Step in Brazil With Fluminense

Stiven Jimenez, the 2007-born defensive midfielder and former FC Cincinnati academy standout, has joined Fluminense U-20 on loan through December 2026. The move takes him back to Brazil, where he previously played futsal, and gives the 19-year-old an opportunity to develop within one of South America’s most established youth systems.

Lucas Aguirre ·

United States

Malik Jakupovic Scores First MLS Goal as Philadelphia’s Young Striker Continues His Rise

Malik Jakupovic scored his first MLS goal in Philadelphia Union’s 5-0 win over San Diego FC, adding another milestone to the 17-year-old forward’s rapid progression from the Union Academy to the first team. The 2009-born striker has also emerged as one of the United States’ most productive youth forwards, while his Bosnian citizenship gives his international future an additional layer of intrigue.

Lucas Aguirre ·

United States

Antwan Vásquez Takes His Next Step in Italy With AS Roma

2012-born attacking midfielder Antwan Vásquez has joined AS Roma after developing with Athletum in Florida and spending part of 2026 with the Juventus Residency Academy in Italy. The Venezuelan-American prospect is considered one of the top young talents in Florida and is the son of former NBA player and Venezuelan basketball legend Greivis Vásquez.

Lucas Aguirre ·