GLENDALE — The United States defeated Mexico 3-0 in an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Cavan Sullivan became the youngest goalscorer in United States men's national team history with a goal in the 62nd minute. "I just remember chipping the ball, hoping it didn’t hit the crossbar or go over," he said.

"I was getting nervous when it was in the air and then everything was a blur," he said. "That wasn't the way I pictured scoring a goal," he said.

He was 17 years and five days old when he scored, breaking the previous record held by Mathis Albert. Albert had set the mark at 17 years and 31 days old with a goal against Chile five days earlier. He intercepted a pass from Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel and chipped the ball into the net to give the United States a 2-0 lead.

"These are the moments you dream of when you’re three, four, five or six-years-old," he said. "I manifested this moment, not just these past couple of hours when I found out I was starting, but my whole life." He described the mechanics of the play, noting that his father taught him to create offense from defense. "The thing I always was told by my dad growing up was to try and make offense out of defense," he said.

Julian Hall opened the scoring for the United States in the 28th minute. The 18-year-old Red Bulls player received a cross from Gio Reyna after Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel parried the initial attempt. Hall's goal was his third in three international games, placing him in an elite group alongside Eddie Johnson and Alexander Rae. Malik Tillman added a third goal in the 84th minute after intercepting a poor backpass from Mexico.

Mexico substitute Luis Chavez was shown a red card in the 67th minute. Chavez smacked Sebastian Berhalter in the face with both hands after committing a hard foul on Yunus Musah. The incident reduced Mexico to ten men for the remainder of the match. Rafael Marquez lost his first game as Mexico head coach, having taken the role in September 2026.

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his performance. "He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior," Pochettino said. It’s difficult to find this type of player. Tremendous quality. Captain Tyler Adams urged focus on his ability rather than his age.

"I think we just got to stop talking about his age," Adams said. "He's here for a reason." Adams made his 61st international appearance, matching Antonee Robinson.

Diego Kochen started as goalkeeper for the United States. The 20-year-old, who plays for Lyngby in the Danish league on loan from Barcelona, saved a shot from Mexico's Roberto Alvarado. This was the 80th match between the two countries, a series that dates to 1934. The United States has won 25 times, while Mexico has won 38 times, with 17 draws.

He currently plays for the Philadelphia Union and is scheduled to join Manchester City next year. Manchester City secured his signature in 2024 when he was 14 years old. The club was found guilty of breaking the majority of 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching and is expected to appeal the ruling. His goal marked the first time the U.S. scored in the first half of 10 consecutive games.

Timeline

He was born on September 28, 2009, making him 17 years and 5 days old at the time of his goal against Mexico. The last meeting between the rivals was the 2025 Gold Cup final, which Mexico won 2-1. Mexico lost to England in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Marquez became head coach in September 2026. The United States defeated Peru 4-1 and Chile 4-2 in matches last week. Mathis Albert set the previous record with a goal against Chile five days earlier. The United States defeated Mexico 3-0 in an international friendly match.

What's New

Later reporting confirmed that he became the youngest player to score a goal in U.S. men's national team history, scoring in the 62nd minute of the match against Mexico. At 17 years and five days, he became the youngest goal scorer in USMNT history after his goal against Mexico. Additional details noted that he scored his goal in the 62nd minute, intercepting a pass from Mexico goalkeeper José Rangel and then lofting a long shot over the goalkeeper’s head into the net for a 2-0 lead.

Historical context provided shows the United States has won 25 times against Mexico, while Mexico has won 38 times, with 17 draws. This was the 80th match between the United States and Mexico. He stated, "Obviously, I'm an offensive player, but you're always in the best spots when you win the ball during the press."

Why It Matters

His achievement breaks a record that stood for only five days, showing the rapid emergence of young talent within the USMNT setup. The victory also marked a successful debut for Mexico's new head coach Rafael Marquez, who took charge in September 2026 following the team's exit from the 2026 World Cup.

The match served as a showcase for several young players, including 18-year-old Julian Hall, who joined an elite group of scorers in their first three international appearances. With him scheduled to join Manchester City next year, his performance draws attention to the club's recent financial rulings and potential sanctions. The result improves the United States' standing in the long-running rivalry, which now stands at 25 wins for the U.S. against 38 for Mexico.