The United States began their fall 2026 international break with two wins from two, topping Peru and Chile with a youthful roster chock full of debutants and teenagers.
One of the youngest on the roster was Borussia Dortmund winger Mathis Albert, who at 17 years old got his USMNT debut against Peru over the weekend. He would then see more time against Chile the following match, coming off the bench to play the final 19 minutes plus stoppage time.
The youngster would find the final goal of a 4-2 victory, poking in a header across the face of goal by fellow substitute Auston Trusty, who met Cavan Sullivan's initial corner kick at the far post. That moment made USMNT history, as Albert became the youngest goal scorer in United States international history.
Incredibly, that mark would only last a few days as Sullivan would find the net himself to set a new mark, beating Albert's record that only survived a short time.
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Youngest USMNT goal scorer in history
Mathis Albert's goal against Chile broke the previous record held by Christian Pulisic, who scored twice against St. Vincent and the Grenadines almost exactly 10 years previously.
| Player | Date | Age | Match |
| Cavan Sullivan | Oct. 3, 2026 | 17 years, 5 days | USA 2-0 Mexico |
| Mathis Albert | Sep. 29, 2026 | 17 years, 131 days | USA 4-2 Chile |
| Christian Pulisic | Sep. 2, 2016 | 17 years, 253 days | USA 6-0 St. Vincent |
| Juan Agudelo | Nov. 17, 2010 | 17 years, 359 days | South Africa 0-1 USA |
| Gio Reyna | Nov. 16, 2020 | 18 years, 3 days | USA 6-2 Panama |
| Jozy Altidore | Feb. 6, 2008 | 18 years, 92 days | USA 2-2 Mexico |
17-year-old Mathis Albert becomes the youngest goal scorer in @USMNT history 👏🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8nUZB1TvCT
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) September 30, 2026Who is Mathis Albert?
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, 17-year-old Mathis Albert has come through the U.S. youth national system, on the radar since the U-15 level.
Born to a French father and an American mother, Albert started his club career in the LA Galaxy youth system before joining the academy of German side Borussia Dortmund in 2024.
He was the youngest player on any roster at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but did not make an appearance at the tournament. He became the youngest American to play in the Bundesliga when he made his German top flight debut for Dortmund in the final minutes of their victory over Freiburg in April 2026.
