Sebastian Berhalter’s Unique Journey to the FIFA World Cup
Sebastian Berhalter finds himself in an extraordinary situation as he prepares for the FIFA World Cup. Unlike many of his U.S. men’s national team teammates, who lack direct first-hand experiences from someone close, Sebastian can turn to his father, Gregg Berhalter. Gregg not only represented the U.S. at the World Cup in 2002 and 2006 but also coached the national team during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
“It’s pretty ridiculous. Sometimes we have moments where we say, ‘I can’t believe we’re talking about this right now.’ I feel extremely lucky to have a dad who completely understands this journey.”
Rising Through Challenges
As Sebastian approaches his debut World Cup match against Paraguay, he reflects on his gradual rise within professional soccer, which mirrors the slow yet steady progression of his career. Just last cycle, neither he nor his father anticipated that he would be a contender for the national team spot this year. In 2022, he was merely observing from the stands, unsure of his future after a loan spell at Austin FC and a challenging stint with the Vancouver Whitecaps, where he struggled to find consistent playing time and made minimal impact.
However, fortune smiled upon him. In 2023, his performances improved significantly, culminating in 35 matches with 15 starts and notching his first two MLS goals. The following year, he further elevated his game with 40 appearances and three additional goals. His breakthrough came in 2025 with outstanding displays that contributed to Vancouver’s success in reaching both the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS Cup finals, alongside earning a place in the All-Star team.
“From one to 90, every minute he’s on the pitch, he gives everything. He contributes enormously to the team both in physical endurance and playmaking.” – Thomas Müller
Changes in U.S. Soccer and New Opportunities
Alongside Sebastian’s blossoming career, significant changes unfolded within U.S. Soccer: Gregg Berhalter was relieved of his coaching duties after the national team’s disappointing performance in the 2024 Copa América. This resulted in Mauricio Pochettino becoming the new head coach, who recognized Sebastian’s potential and invited him to join the roster for the Gold Cup that summer. Seizing the opportunity, Sebastian delivered commendable performances, propelling the team to the final and securing a reserve midfielder position for the World Cup.
“I never could have picked him if I were still coaching. There would have been too many questions about favoritism. But now, everything is as it should be; it’s his time.” – Gregg Berhalter
A Legacy of Football
The legacy of the Berhalters isn’t unique in American football; they are not the only father-son duo to represent the U.S. national team in a World Cup. Gregg experienced a similar connection with Claudio Reyna, Gio Reyna‘s father, when he selected him for the Qatar 2022 squad.
Pochettino sees the qualities in Sebastian that make him indispensable—a tireless workhorse, tactically astute, and capable of sharp set-piece execution.
“He’s a monster on the field. Sometimes I have to tell him to take a break because of his relentless training.” – Mauricio Pochettino
Looking Ahead
As Sebastian prepares for this monumental event, he cherishes each moment, recalling a heartwarming conversation with his father during a March training camp. Rather than focusing on tactics, the discussion highlighted Sebastian’s joy in reconnecting with his teammates.
“He was like a kid in a candy store, excited to see everyone.” – Gregg Berhalter
Four years ago, Sebastian was cheering for his father from the stands; now the tables have turned, with Gregg set to watch his son pursue his World Cup aspirations.
“There are no words to express this experience. It’s been a wild and enjoyable journey, and I wouldn’t change a thing.” – Sebastian Berhalter
