Cavan Sullivan vs. Gilberto Mora: USMNT & Mexico sensations clash | OneFootball

By MLSsoccer staff

The United States-Mexico rivalry always delivers the drama. And on Saturday, it could deliver the first international showdown between elite prospects Cavan Sullivan and Gilberto Mora.

The 17-year-old phenoms are enjoying meteoric rises: Sullivan with MLS's Philadelphia Union and Mora with LIGA MX's Club Tijuana. 

The youngsters are already being touted as the future of their respective countries, which battle annually for Concacaf supremacy. 

Here’s how Sullivan and Mora compare ahead of the USMNT hosting El Tri during Saturday’s friendly at State Farm Stadium in Arizona (10 pm ET | TNT, HBO Max, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock).

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Cavan Sullivan

Midfielder · United States

Age: 17

Club debut: Sullivan made history in July 2024 as the youngest debutant in MLS history, earning that distinction at 14 years and 293 days during a 5-1 rout of the New England Revolution. 

USMNT debut: Sept. 26, 2026 vs. Peru (fourth-youngest debutant in USMNT history; 16 years, 363 days)

USMNT caps: 2

Career club stats (all competitions): 10g/16a in 49 games 

International tournament experience: 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup

Playing style: Sullivan is a daring, dynamic dribbler who creates chances by relentlessly attacking opposing defenders. He's previously been dubbed a "generational talent."

Gilberto Mora

Midfielder

Age: 17

Club debut: Mora made his Club Tijuana debut in August 2024 at 15 years, 308 days, becoming the third-youngest debutant in LIGA MX history.

Mexico debut: June 28, 2025 vs. Saudi Arabia (Youngest debutant in Mexico history; 16 years, 257 days)

Mexico caps: 13

Career club stats (all competitions): 15g/3a in 62 games

International tournament experience: 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup

Playing style: The two-time LIGA MX All-Star controls the tempo and provides a scoring touch, making him one of the world's top two-way midfield prospects.