“A younger me always dreamed of such a responsibility, and I’m proud of realizing that goal,” wrote Quinn Sullivan in the caption of an Instagram post shared on July 8, 2025, posting a couple of pictures of himself in a U.S. men’s national team shirt and expressing gratitude as he earned his first cap during the CONCACAF Gold Cup. While the American boys might have lost the tournament, it remained an unforgettable memory for Sullivan. That moment seemed to signal the start of something special.

Not to mention a pivotal time to get noticed by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is preparing for a 2026 World Cup roster. But talk about things taking a turn for the worse. Sullivan’s potential dream of playing in the upcoming summer tournament has suddenly turned murky. For context, last week, the Philadelphia Union prodigy was forced off the pitch within just 13 minutes in a clash against D.C. United on Saturday, missing out on his team’s emphatic 6-0 victory.

There wasn’t an immediate injury update, leaving fans to do the guesswork. Earlier today, the attacking midfielder revealed the devastating reason behind his exit. Quinn Sullivan has confirmed that he has sustained a torn ACL. The news came in an Instagram post he shared, featuring a B/W picture of himself lying on the ground as he receives treatment during the DC United match.

Additionally, Quinn Sullivan also wrote a heartwarming message for his fans, saying, “Well… this is a message I hoped never to write. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL this past Saturday. I am gutted to not be able to finish this incredible season with the guys, but really proud to be a part of this team. I have full confidence that this special group will lift a trophy. Let’s win it @philaunion. Thank you all.”

This turns out to be a major setback for his domestic side, the Philadelphia Union. Already, Bradley Carnell’s side is in a position to secure the Supporters’ Shield if they win their remaining two matches, which would turn out to be their second win after having won their first in 2022. Not to mention, the fight for breaking a deadlock for the first MLS Cup also remains at stake, after they lost the final to LAFC that very year.

While there are others to lead the Union towards their desired goal, Quinn Sullivan, too, has played a key role in Philadelphia’s strong season, contributing two goals and nine assists in 28 appearances (24 starts). The homegrown player also enjoyed a breakout 2024 campaign, recording five goals and 11 assists across 34 games.

Then again, one needs to understand that missing out on the remainder of the MLS season won’t hurt much compared to him potentially missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

So, will Quinn Sullivan be able to make it for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup?

Honestly, we hope he does. Sure, judging by his words, he won’t be there with the Philadelphia Union to finish the remainder of the season. However, as everyone is aware, ACL tears take longer to heal than anticipated by medical professionals. Even if the players manage to pull off a miracle by becoming fit early, the most crucial part of any recovery, for that matter, is patience.

So even though one should remain optimistic in such cases, the truth of the matter is that Quinn Sullivan’s inclusion in the World Cup might be in danger. Healing just in time before the crucial tournament would give a sigh of relief to him and his supporters. But the fact that he will be missing out on the friendlies and camps, which, by the way, is what the USMNT all have in the name of World Cup preparation, would be a huge problem.

After all, Mauricio Pochettino himself insisted that he is done experimenting and will spend the rest of his time building the much-needed synergy among players. So, players who will be available at his service and do the job are the ones to be picked for sure. A sad reality for Quinn, who enjoyed a breakout season and earned his first three caps with the USMNT — making his debut in a friendly loss to Turkey and later starting in a Gold Cup win over Haiti — it’s a crushing setback at the worst possible time.

As Quinn Sullivan confidently wrote, “Until next time,” while expressing his honor in representing his country for the first time, let’s hope that next time does come during the 2026 World Cup!