Cavan Sullivan scored a cheeky Panenka penalty in the 61st minute to secure a 2-1 comeback victory for the United States against Tajikistan in Group I of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Philadelphia Union midfielder also provided the assist for Nimfasha Berchimas' equalizing header in the 30th minute. With six points from two matches, the USA are guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage.
The United States continued their strong start to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar with a 2-1 win over Tajikistan on Saturday. Trailing after an early concession, the US mounted a comeback in the Group I encounter at the Aspire Zone in Doha.
Tajikistan took the lead, but Charlotte FC homegrown attacker Nimfasha Berchimas leveled the score in the 30th minute, heading home from a service by Sullivan. The 16-year-old Sullivan then delivered the decisive moment in the 61st minute, gently chipping his penalty down the center past the diving goalkeeper in a classic Panenka style. This marked Sullivan's second goal in as many games, following his close-range finish as a substitute in the 1-0 opening win over Burkina Faso on Wednesday.
Sullivan, one of 11 MLS players on the US roster, has been a standout performer. The Philadelphia Union homegrown talent signed with the club in May 2024 at age 14 and has since debuted for the first team, playing 18 times while featuring extensively for Philadelphia Union II. He is reportedly set to join Manchester City in the future and has contributed to Philly's 2025 MLS Supporters' Shield win and Eastern Conference top seed.
With the victory, the US sit atop Group I with six points and will face Czechia in their final group match on Tuesday. The team advances to the Round of 32 regardless of the outcome.