Sebastian Berhalter earns USMNT World Cup spot after father’s exit
Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter will represent the United States at the World Cup, completing a remarkable rise two years after his father Gregg was sacked as national team manager.
The dynamic midfielder is set to feature when the Americans open their tournament against Paraguay on Friday night.
His inclusion follows a breakout 2025 season in Major League Soccer, culminating in an All-Star appearance and runs to both the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS Cup finals.
A family legacy redefined
During the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the combative player travelled solely as a fan to support his father from the stands.
Gregg Berhalter managed the national side during that campaign but was dismissed in 2024 following a disappointing tournament exit.
The managerial change ultimately removed any conflict of interest, allowing the former Columbus Crew prospect to be judged purely on his own merit without external pressure.
“It’s pretty ridiculous,”
The Vancouver playmaker said regarding the surreal conversations he now shares with his father, who also represented the US in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
“It’s pretty funny — sometimes we’ll have moments where we’re like, ‘I can’t believe we’re talking about this right now.’ I feel super fortunate to have a dad who understands.”
From fringe player to MLS star
The journey to the highest level of international football has been a slow burn for the American talent.
His club career appeared stalled just a few years ago following an underwhelming loan spell at Austin FC.
He was subsequently traded to the Whitecaps for a mere $50,000 in guaranteed allocation money, which represents the lowest permitted fee in the North American top flight.
However, an intensified focus on attacking under the guidance of head coach Jesper Sørensen saw his output and confidence explode.
“I think he was always a powerful force for us,”
Vancouver teammate Thomas Müller told reporters last month, praising his colleague’s relentless energy and dangerous set-piece delivery.
“From one to 90, every minute he is on the pitch, he gives everything. Overall, he is a very important player for us, not only on the field but also in the locker room.”