Sebastian Berhalter’s Journey to the World Cup
Sebastian Berhalter’s journey to the World Cup was not straightforward. As the son of former player and coach Gregg Berhalter, people might assume his path was smooth. However, at 25 years old, Sebastian faced challenges before joining the U.S. men’s national team.
Four years ago, Gregg Berhalter told his son he wasn’t ready for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This candid feedback came before the tournament when Sebastian wasn’t selected. Watching from the stands in Qatar while his father coached the team was difficult. Yet, he remained focused on his goal of playing in the 2026 World Cup.
“That was a goal I had, and people would’ve thought I was crazy,” he said. “That’s how I’ve been my whole life. I always believed. If you don’t believe, no one else is going to believe. So for me, I knew it was possible.”
Gregg Berhalter believes this resilience is vital for success. He emphasized that his son’s mental strength and determination were crucial in reaching this point. The journey to the World Cup required dedication, hard work, and dealing with setbacks.
Sebastian returned to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2022 with a refreshed mindset. By this point, he had become a starter and increased his offensive contributions. In the MLS season, he scored six goals and provided seven assists, showcasing improved technical skills.
In 2025, after his father’s tenure ended, Sebastian joined the national team under coach Mauricio Pochettino. He participated in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, contributing two assists from set pieces. Later, he scored his first international goal against Uruguay in a friendly match in Tampa, Florida.
Pochettino praised him as a relentless player who always gives his best. Berhalter’s consistent effort on the field is no surprise, considering he always felt the need to prove himself twice as much.
The moment he learned about his World Cup selection, Gregg Berhalter was aware due to his role as head coach of the Chicago Fire. Sebastian’s FaceTime call announcing his selection brought immense pride to his father. They now look forward to sharing the unique experience of a World Cup together.