Gregg Berhalter, now Chicago Fire FC director and head coach, says he’s “incredibly proud” as son Sebastian Berhalter secures a spot on the USMNT 2026 World Cup roster after a breakout 2025 MLS season. The family story — a former U.S. coach watching his son perform under Mauricio Pochettino — adds emotional weight to the roster as the U.S. readies for a high-profile tune-up against Germany in Chicago.
Sebastian Berhalter’s rise: from MLS breakout to 2026 World Cup roster
Sebastian Berhalter earned his place on the U.S. men’s national team for the 2026 World Cup after a defining 2025 season in MLS. His six goals and four assists in 13 league appearances pushed him into All-Star contention and earned more frequent call-ups under coach Mauricio Pochettino. That trajectory turned a once-fringed prospect into a potentially important squad piece for a U.S. team preparing to host the tournament.
Immediate context: roster momentum and a big friendly in Chicago
The selection comes as the USMNT builds toward the home World Cup and stages high-profile friendlies, including a match against Germany in Chicago. MLS is on break, and club soccer pauses while national ambitions take center stage — a rare moment when a son’s World Cup dream intersects with a father’s professional focus in American soccer.
Gregg Berhalter’s perspective: pride, patience and a hands-off approach
Gregg Berhalter, who previously managed the USMNT and now leads Chicago Fire FC, has been publicly proud of his son’s perseverance. He stresses that Sebastian’s progress came from hard work and self-belief rather than parental interference. Gregg says the family intentionally stayed hands-off with coaches and agents, providing tools and support while leaving performance and decisions to Sebastian.
“Every day he looked at a little World Cup replica he bought in Qatar, and that was his reminder,” Gregg recalled, noting the symbolic importance of small rituals and consistent focus. He also highlighted Sebastian’s detailed training habits, saying he still keeps the written notes from sessions.
From Vancouver Whitecaps trade to Pochettino’s rotation
Sebastian’s path included a 2022 trade from the Vancouver Whitecaps and incremental minutes that culminated in a breakout form in 2025. Mauricio Pochettino’s willingness to integrate MLS-based talent has broadened the USMNT’s depth, and Sebastian’s combination of goals, assists and tactical discipline made his inclusion hard to ignore.
Why this matters: roster balance, optics and momentum
Sebastian’s selection reinforces MLS as a viable development platform for the national team and underscores Pochettino’s emphasis on form and fit over pedigree alone. It also offers roster balance: a midfielder who can contribute offensively and adapt to different tactical roles adds flexibility in tournament play.
The father-son angle is compelling but secondary to on-field merit. Gregg’s past as U.S. coach and his current MLS role create an unusual narrative, yet the selection reflects Sebastian’s season, not familial ties. That separation matters for team chemistry and public perception heading into a home World Cup.
Potential implications for Chicago Fire and the USMNT
Chicago Fire will temporarily lose a player as national team duties commence, but the club also gains intangible benefits — visibility for its academy pipeline and a reminder of the club’s role in player development. For the USMNT, adding a confident, in-form midfielder bolsters options in group-stage rotations and against physically demanding opponents.
What’s next
Sebastian will now prepare to join the squad for upcoming fixtures and the long tournament build-up to 2026. The U.S. faces Germany in Chicago, a high-profile test that will reveal more about Pochettino’s tactical plans and how new and established players fit together.
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For Gregg and the Berhalter family, the focus will be on support from the stands and savoring a milestone reached through persistence and preparation.
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