Malik Jakupovic: The 16-Year-Old Philadelphia Union Striker Who Fired USA to the U-17 World Cup
With 8 goals in 3 CONCACAF qualifying matches, the Bosnian-American prodigy is the most exciting young striker in US soccer
At 6ft 3ins and just 16 years old, Malik Jakupovic is already hitting the heights that most strikers only dream of. The Philadelphia Union forward finished as the eight-goal top scorer in CONCACAF qualifying, inspiring the USA to their 20th appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup — this time in Qatar 2026.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Jakupovic opened up about his record-breaking qualifying campaign, his Bosnian-American heritage, growing up idolizing Edin Dzeko, and his burning ambition to make his MLS first-team debut.
A Qualifying Campaign for the Ages
Jakupovic did not simply contribute to the USA qualifying effort — he dominated it. His 8 goals across three matches made him the leading scorer in the entire CONCACAF U-17 qualifying tournament, showcasing a variety of finishes that marked him out as a truly special talent.
Match-by-Match Breakdown
| Match | Result | Jakupovic Goals | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA vs. Saint Vincent & the Grenadines | 8-0 W | 2 (Brace) | Opened his account in style |
| USA vs. Saint Kitts & Nevis | 10-0 W | 5 (Five-goal haul) | A sensational individual performance |
| USA vs. Dominican Republic | 1-1 D | 1 (41st minute) | The crucial goal that secured qualification |
Total: 8 goals in 3 matches — including two towering headers that showcased his aerial dominance.
What made his performance even more impressive was the variety of his finishes. Left foot, right foot, headers, from distance, from close range — Jakupovic showed the full repertoire of a complete No. 9.
The FIFA Interview: In His Own Words
In a sit-down interview with FIFA, Jakupovic revealed the mindset, ambition, and humility behind his extraordinary run of form.
On Being the Top Scorer
"It means a lot to me. Coming into CONCACAF qualifying, I was thinking, 'How many goals can I score and can I be the top goalscorer?' Having a USA striker as the top goalscorer means a lot to me." — Malik Jakupovic
The fact that Jakupovic set himself this target before the tournament even began speaks volumes about his confidence and competitive mentality at just 16.
On His Best Tournament Performance
While the CONCACAF haul was remarkable, Jakupovic revealed it may not even have been his most complete performance:
"At a recent tournament in Dubai [in November], I scored four goals — two against England, one against Australia and one against Ivory Coast. I was the top goalscorer and the best player."
Scoring against England, Australia, and Ivory Coast at an international youth tournament demonstrates that Jakupovic can perform on the biggest stages against top-tier opposition — not just in regional qualifying.
On the FIFA U-17 World Cup
"I'm really excited. I'm proud of the boys and I can't wait. We have a couple of months until the World Cup and will try our best to prepare for it. It's going to be hard, it's a World Cup and will have the best players in the U-17 competition."
On His MLS Ambitions
"My goal is to make my [first-team] debut. I'm going to try my hardest to get there."
Currently wearing the No. 51 shirt for Philadelphia Union II in MLS NEXT Pro, Jakupovic has already been scoring regularly at the reserve level. A first-team debut for the Union feels like a matter of when, not if.
Playing Style: The Next Hugo Ekitike?
When asked to describe his own game, Jakupovic drew a fascinating comparison:
"A player I've been watching a lot and I would say plays the most like me is Hugo Ekitike. He is a No. 9 but also plays in the No. 10 position. He gets the ball at his feet, he can hold off players and take them on with a dribble too. I would like that style of play."
Hugo Ekitike, the French striker who made his name at Reims before moving to PSG and then Eintracht Frankfurt, is known for his silky touch, ability to drop deep, and devastating runs in behind. It is a telling comparison — Jakupovic sees himself not as a mere target man, but as a complete, modern striker who can link play and create as well as score.
The Height Advantage
At 6ft 3ins (190cm), Jakupovic is already an imposing presence in any penalty box. He is fully aware of how to weaponize his frame:
"It's really important. My type of play is holding off players and using all my strength and height, and also racking up goals with my head, hanging over the centre-backs with my height and scoring headers."
Two of his eight CONCACAF qualifying goals came from towering headers — a skill that, combined with his technical ability, makes him an exceptionally difficult proposition for defenders.
Bosnian Roots, American Dream
Behind every great footballer is a story, and Jakupovic's heritage is central to who he is.
Family Heritage
"All my family was born in Bosnia and then came to Michigan, and that's where I was born. At 13, I came to the Union in a residency programme. At first it was hard but now it is pretty easy."
Born in Michigan to a Bosnian immigrant family, Jakupovic left home at just 13 years old to join Philadelphia Union's prestigious academy and residency programme — one of the top youth development systems in MLS. That level of sacrifice and commitment at such a young age speaks to both his own determination and his family's support.
His Bosnian Football Hero: Edin Dzeko
"I would say Dzeko. I've been looking at him my entire life. I try to go to Bosnia once a year, but it's hard with the MLS seasons to do so."
Edin Dzeko — Bosnia's all-time leading scorer with over 65 international goals, and a man who starred for Wolfsburg, Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan — is the perfect role model for Jakupovic. Like Dzeko, Jakupovic combines height, power, technical skill, and a lethal eye for goal.
Choosing the Stars and Stripes
With his Bosnian background, Jakupovic is eligible to represent both the USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina at senior level. His answer on the matter was emphatic:
"Right now, I'm planning on sticking with the US. I don't have any plans on going anywhere else."
For US Soccer fans, this is huge. A 6ft 3ins striker who can score all types of goals, has international pedigree, and is committed to the program? That is the profile of a future USMNT striker.
The Philadelphia Union Pipeline
Jakupovic is the latest product of one of MLS's most productive academies. The Philadelphia Union youth system has already produced stars like Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United, now Union), Mark McKenzie, Jack McGlynn, and Quinn Sullivan.
Jakupovic at Philadelphia Union II
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Squad Number | #51 |
| Position | Forward |
| Team | Philadelphia Union II (MLS NEXT Pro) |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 2009 |
| Age | 16 |
| Joined | Age 13 (Residency Programme) |
At Union II, Jakupovic has already shown his quality with a string of goals in MLS NEXT Pro, including a stretch where he scored in four consecutive games. His trajectory mirrors that of other Union academy graduates who made the leap to the first team and beyond.
Life Off the Pitch
Jakupovic is, at the end of the day, still a 16-year-old kid — and he has interests beyond football too:
"Off the field, my hobby is basketball. I'm 6ft 3ins so I kind of have to be good at basketball! I played one year in middle school but that was it."
At his height, he could easily have pursued basketball, but football won his heart. The sport's gain is basketball's loss.
USA at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026
The USA will be making their 20th appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, a record that underscores the country's consistent development of young talent. Under coach Alex Aldaz, this particular squad looked highly impressive throughout qualifying.
USA Qualifying Record
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 3 |
| Won | 2 |
| Drawn | 1 |
| Goals For | 19 |
| Goals Against | 1 |
| Top Scorer | Malik Jakupovic (8 goals) |
The 19 goals scored and just 1 conceded across three matches demonstrate the quality throughout the squad — not just in attack. But it was Jakupovic who made the difference when it mattered most, netting the equalizer in the 41st minute of the crucial 1-1 draw with the Dominican Republic that sealed qualification on goal difference.
CONCACAF Qualified Teams for Qatar 2026
A total of eight CONCACAF nations have qualified for the 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026:
| Team | Qualifying Stage |
|---|---|
| USA | Group E winners |
| Panama | Group B winners |
| Haiti | Group C winners |
| Costa Rica | Group D winners |
| Mexico | Group A winners |
| Cuba | Qualifying round |
| Honduras | Qualifying round |
| Jamaica | Qualifying round |
Why Jakupovic Could Be Special
The raw numbers alone make Jakupovic stand out, but it is the context that truly elevates his potential:
- 8 goals in 3 qualifying matches — the best in the entire CONCACAF region
- 4 goals in a Dubai tournament against England, Australia, and Ivory Coast — proving he can perform against top nations
- Variety of finishes — headers, both feet, from distance, from close range
- Physical profile — 6ft 3ins at 16, still growing
- Technical ability — draws comparisons to Hugo Ekitike, not just a targetman
- Ambition — wants to make his MLS first-team debut this year
- Heritage — dual Bosnian-American identity enriches his character and perspective
- Sacrifice — left home at 13 to pursue his dream in Philadelphia
With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 on the horizon, Jakupovic has the platform to announce himself to the world. If he reproduces his qualifying form on football's biggest youth stage, clubs across Europe will be watching closely.
The Road Ahead
For now, Jakupovic is laser-focused on two goals: breaking into the Philadelphia Union first team and shining at the U-17 World Cup in Qatar. But the bigger picture is tantalizing.
The US men's national team is building toward the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil with names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Giovanni Reyna, and Folarin Balogun leading the charge. Behind them, the next generation is already emerging — and Malik Jakupovic may be the most exciting name on that list.
At 16, he has time on his side. But given the rate at which he is developing, the world may not have to wait long before his name appears in much bigger headlines.
Photos courtesy of US Soccer and Concacaf.