Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti, and Cavan Sullivan Named Finalists for 2026 MLS Young Player of the Year

Three of Major League Soccer's most promising young talents have been recognized for their outstanding performances during the 2026 season.

Major League Soccer has officially announced the three finalists for the 2026 MLS Young Player of the Year Award, with Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti, and Cavan Sullivan earning recognition following impressive campaigns for their respective clubs.

The announcement highlights an exciting new generation of talent emerging across North American soccer, with all three players establishing themselves as important contributors at the professional level despite their young ages.

Red Bull New York teammates Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti join Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan on the final shortlist, recognizing their individual performances, development, and contributions throughout the regular season.

Julian Hall: A Breakout Goalscoring Season

Julian Hall has enjoyed an exceptional 2026 campaign with Red Bull New York, establishing himself as one of the league's most exciting young attacking talents.

Hall finished the regular season with an impressive 13 goals and 3 assists, recording 16 goal contributions across 32 appearances. With 2,823 minutes played and 32 starts, he demonstrated remarkable consistency and durability throughout the campaign.

His ability to find the back of the net has been one of the defining features of his season. Hall has continued to develop his attacking instincts, movement, and finishing ability while regularly competing against experienced MLS defenders.

For a young forward, maintaining this level of production over an entire professional season represents a significant achievement. His performances have demonstrated his ability to contribute consistently rather than relying on occasional moments of individual brilliance.

Hall's nomination is recognition of his development into a reliable attacking option for Red Bull New York and his growing reputation as one of the most promising young forwards in American soccer.

Adri Mehmeti: A Rising Talent in New York

Joining Hall among the finalists is fellow Red Bull New York midfielder Adri Mehmeti, who has also made significant progress throughout the 2026 season.

Mehmeti recorded 2 goals and 4 assists across 32 appearances, accumulating 2,587 minutes and making 32 starts during the regular season.

While his attacking statistics may not match those of the other finalists, Mehmeti's contributions extend beyond goals and assists.

As a midfielder, his responsibilities include helping his team maintain possession, connecting different areas of the pitch, and contributing to the overall structure of the team's play.

His consistent involvement throughout the season reflects the trust placed in him at the professional level, particularly considering the demands and physical intensity of MLS.

Mehmeti's nomination also highlights how young players can earn recognition through their overall influence on matches rather than purely through attacking statistics.

Having two players from Red Bull New York nominated for the same award is a notable achievement for the club and reflects the opportunities being provided to young talent within its first-team environment.

Cavan Sullivan: A Historic Season for Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan completes the list of finalists following a remarkable campaign that has attracted attention across Major League Soccer.

At just 17 years old, Sullivan has already achieved an extraordinary level of recognition, becoming a finalist for both the MLS Young Player of the Year Award and the prestigious Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award.

His MVP nomination is particularly historic, making him the youngest finalist for the award in league history.

Sullivan finished the 2026 regular season with 9 goals and 14 assists in 29 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most productive young attacking players in MLS.

His combination of technical ability, creativity, and confidence has allowed him to make a significant impact against established professional players.

Sullivan's performances have demonstrated his ability to influence matches through both goalscoring and playmaking, making him one of the standout emerging talents of the season.

Being recognized among the league's overall MVP finalists, alongside some of the biggest names in world football, makes his Young Player of the Year nomination even more significant.

Three Different Players, One Major Achievement

Although Hall, Mehmeti, and Sullivan have each enjoyed impressive seasons, their nominations highlight three different pathways to success at the professional level.

Hall has distinguished himself through his goalscoring ability and consistency in attack. Mehmeti has earned recognition through his involvement and contributions in midfield, while Sullivan has combined goals and creativity to become one of the league's most talked-about young players.

Their seasons demonstrate that young players can make an impact in different positions and roles, with success not necessarily measured by the same statistics.

The recognition also reflects the increasing importance of youth development within MLS, as clubs continue to provide opportunities for emerging players to compete at the highest level.

What This Means for the Future of American Soccer

The nominations of Hall, Mehmeti, and Sullivan represent an encouraging sign for the future of soccer in North America.

With professional clubs investing in player development and providing younger athletes with meaningful first-team opportunities, more emerging talents are gaining valuable experience earlier in their careers.

Competing regularly in MLS allows these players to develop their technical abilities, tactical understanding, and confidence while adjusting to the demands of professional soccer.

For young players aspiring to follow a similar pathway, their achievements provide a powerful example of what can be accomplished through dedication, development, and opportunity.

The 2026 MLS Young Player of the Year Award will recognize one of these three outstanding talents, but reaching the final shortlist is already a significant accomplishment for each player.

At OPSM Soccer, we are excited to see young talents continuing to make their mark at the professional level. The achievements of Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti, and Cavan Sullivan highlight the bright future of North American soccer and the growing opportunities available to the next generation of players.

With all three still in the early stages of their professional careers, their performances throughout 2026 could be the beginning of even greater achievements in the years ahead.