Sebastian Berhalter’s journey to reach the World Cup was not straightforward. As the son of renowned player and former head coach Gregg Berhalter, many assumed his path would be easy. However, Sebastian’s experience proved otherwise.
At 25, Sebastian recalls a pivotal moment four years ago when his father told him candidly that he was not ready for the U.S. men’s national team. This conversation took place before the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With a touch of humor, Sebastian acknowledged this to reporters after the latest roster announcement.
While his father coached the 2022 team, Sebastian watched the tournament from the stands in Qatar. During the event, he bought a miniature replica of the World Cup trophy as a symbol of his determination to be part of the 2026 World Cup. “That was my goal,” he stated, emphasizing his lifelong belief in his capabilities.
Gregg Berhalter, reflecting on his son’s growth, shared insights with NBC News. The elder Berhalter noted that his son’s resilience and mental endurance were vital components that Sebastian would need at the forthcoming World Cup. “It’s about his mental strength and the journey he’s undertaken,” Gregg said. He admires Sebastian’s hard work, humility, and dedication.
He’s the type of player who trains tirelessly, and it’s rewarding as a coach to have such a dedicated individual on the team,said Mauricio Pochettino, current national team coach.
In 2022, Sebastian returned to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps with renewed focus. This mindset shift helped him secure a starting position and enhance his performance. By the 14th game of the MLS season, he had already scored six goals and provided seven assists. He attributes these accomplishments to sharpening his technical skills.
A year after Gregg Berhalter’s departure from the head coach role, Sebastian received his first call-up to the national team under Pochettino. His participation in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup was marked by two assists from set pieces, highlighting the improvement in his game.
Sebastian achieved another milestone by scoring his first international goal in a friendly against Uruguay. On a significant day, when the World Cup squad was announced, he demonstrated his endurance by being the last starter subbed off in a friendly against Senegal.
Reflecting on his career, Sebastian expressed gratitude for his father’s support in his development, from childhood into his professional career. “I’m so fortunate to have him in my corner,” he remarked.
When American players received squad announcements, Gregg Berhalter, now head coach of the Chicago Fire, was thrilled upon learning of Sebastian’s inclusion in the team. As they shared the news via FaceTime, the two celebrated this achievement together.
For Gregg, sharing the World Cup experience with his son is a significant moment. “Now we’re going to have that shared experience, and it means the world to me,” he said, highlighting the personal significance of witnessing Sebastian play on the world stage.