United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has called on former goalkeeper Tim Howard to push prodigy Cavan Sullivan into regular action ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Howard, who once guarded the net for the U.S., said the youngster must play every game now to learn from mistakes.
On Tuesday, SI.com reported that Howard, a former USMNT goalkeeper, demanded that Sullivan get more minutes. He added, "We don’t get a lot of players like yourself, Clint, like Christian Pulisic, like Cavan Sullivan." He followed up, "Play him now. Let him make his mistakes."
Why is Cavan Sullivan a focus?
Cavan Sullivan, 16, has already shown promise with one goal and three assists in his last four games. He recorded four shots and seven touches in the attacking penalty area on Matchday 21, a performance that drew attention from scouts. The young forward received a red card in second-half stoppage time during a recent match, a moment that highlighted the need for more experience.
Sullivan will be 20 in 2030, the year the World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The United States will use the next few months to test him in a series of friendlies. The national team will face Chile, Peru, Mexico and Canada in the fall, giving Sullivan a chance to adapt to different styles.
What does Howard’s demand mean for the squad?
Howard’s insistence signals a shift toward a more aggressive development plan. The USMNT has already won the Concacaf Nations League in 2019, 2021 and 2023 and is aiming for a fourth title in five tournaments. The team will reconvene in November for the Nations League quarterfinals, a critical period for integrating new talent.
The call also reflects the coaching philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino, who values young players stepping into challenging roles. By giving Sullivan minutes now, the squad can evaluate his readiness for the high-pressure environment of a World Cup.
How does this fit into the USMNT’s World Cup plan?
The United States is preparing for a long road to 2030. The national team will play in the Concacaf Nations League in spring, a platform to gauge squad depth. The strategy is to build a core of players who have faced international competition early.
Zavier Gozo, 19, recently inked a deal with Crystal Palace after playing for Real Salt Lake in MLS. His move shows the pathway from domestic leagues to European clubs, a route that Sullivan could follow if he continues to develop.
The USMNT’s schedule includes four friendlies against Chile, Peru, Mexico and Canada, followed by the Nations League quarterfinals in November. These fixtures will test the squad’s depth and give Sullivan a chance to prove himself.
For fans wanting to track the team’s progress, the latest fixtures page lists all upcoming matches, while the squad page shows player availability. Detailed performance data can be found on the stats page.
The United States’ focus on early exposure for young talent like Sullivan is a clear message: the next generation must learn from real-world experience if the nation hopes to compete on the world stage.
What about the upcoming friendlies and Nations League?
The fall friendlies against Chile, Peru, Mexico and Canada will be crucial for testing new players. The USMNT will also face the Concacaf Nations League in spring, a competition that has become a key benchmark for the team’s progress. The upcoming matches will determine whether the squad can maintain its momentum and secure a spot in the 2030 World Cup.
The United States is building a squad that can adapt to different styles and pressures. By giving Sullivan regular minutes now, the team is investing in a future star who could be a central figure in the 2030 campaign.
