Gregg Berhalter will watch from the stands at the 2026 World Cup as his son Sebastian and Chicago Fire keeper Chris Brady make tournament debuts for the USMNT, underscoring MLS’s growing pipeline and a Pochettino roster that leans on veteran World Cup experience while prompting questions about midfield depth and selection methodology.
Berhalter in the stands as son, Brady join USMNT World Cup squad
Gregg Berhalter, now Chicago Fire manager, will attend the 2026 World Cup as a proud father rather than as the U.S. coach, cheering on 25-year-old Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps) and 22-year-old Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady. Their inclusion highlights MLS’s increasing role in U.S. player development: both are among the eight MLS-based players on the 26-man roster and count toward the 13 roster members who came through MLS academies.
What the roster says about Pochettino’s approach
Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-player list favors defensive depth—five center backs and five fullbacks—while naming only four orthodox central midfielders. That balance left midfielders like Tanner Tessmann, Diego Luna and Aidan Morris off the plane, a choice Berhalter described as predictable and in line with what Pochettino had shown in recent months. Berhalter framed the roster as a methodological selection rather than a shock decision.
Selection style over surprises
Berhalter didn’t label the roster “safe,” but he noted it reflected a clear tactical blueprint. The coach’s recent formations and personnel usage left few surprises in the final list, suggesting Pochettino prioritized players who fit his system and demonstrated recent form under his tutelage.
Experience versus youth: a roster built for stability
This U.S. cohort carries considerably more World Cup experience than the 2022 side. Four years ago, the team arrived with minimal prior tournament exposure; now 13 players are returning World Cup participants. Berhalter stressed that maturity and shared experience will be vital for a deep run on home soil, arguing that the “age coupled with experience” gives this squad an edge in tournament pressure moments.
From the 2022 ledger to 2026 expectations
Berhalter’s prior selections in 2022 included young starters such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams—now established veterans who can mentor the next wave. That institutional memory matters: leadership and composure in knockout games are as valuable as individual talent.
Controversy over notification method draws attention
Pochettino faced criticism after sending emails to players omitted from the squad rather than delivering the news by phone. Berhalter defended the coach’s right to choose his own process, noting managers have different rationales for how they communicate difficult decisions. The debate, however, has amplified scrutiny around roster management and coach-player relations heading into the tournament.
What to watch in tune-up friendlies
The USMNT faces two final tests before the World Cup: Senegal in Charlotte and Germany in Chicago. Those friendlies will clarify tactical shape, midfield rotations and goalkeeper pecking order—areas where Pochettino’s roster choices have raised questions. Expect managers to probe combinations that cover for the limited number of pure central midfielders while leveraging fullback fluidity and veteran leadership.
Why this matters
MLS representation and academy pathways gaining World Cup spots signal long-term growth for U.S. soccer talent development. At the same time, Pochettino’s roster construction and communication decisions will influence team cohesion and public perception in the lead-up. For a home tournament with high expectations, balancing experience, tactical fit and squad harmony will determine whether the USMNT can translate promise into performance.
Potential scenarios and short-term signals
If the friendlies expose midfield vulnerabilities, expect Pochettino to rely on versatile players and defensive solidity to control matches. Conversely, strong showings from younger MLS graduates like Sebastian Berhalter and Brady would validate the federation’s development pipeline and justify Pochettino’s trust in form and fit over name recognition.
Bottom line
Gregg Berhalter’s dual role—as former U.S. coach turned club manager and father—adds a human subplot to a roster designed for reliability. Pochettino’s selections privilege system-compatible players and tournament experience, but tactical balance in midfield and the team’s response to late-stage controversies remain critical storylines as the World Cup approaches.
The USMNT’s 2022 World Cup manager will watch his son, Sebastian, make his tournament debut this summer.
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