Former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has shared a moving note of support for his son, Sebastian, ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
In the high-pressure world of international football, the bond between a father and son often takes a backseat to the demands of the professional game. However, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, former USA head coach Gregg Berhalter has bridged that gap with a poignant open letter to his son, Sebastian Berhalter. The younger Berhalter, a rising star in Major League Soccer, has secured a place on the Team USA roster for the home tournament, creating a unique family legacy that spans generations of American soccer. The letter, released on Tuesday, offers a rare glimpse into the emotional landscape of a coaching figure who has experienced both the triumphs and the bitter exits of the World Cup stage.
A Message of Humility and Pride
Gregg Berhalter’s note to Sebastian is less about tactical advice and more about the character required to navigate the world's largest sporting event. He describes the World Cup as a 'beautiful stage' and a 'privilege' that few ever get to experience. Berhalter, who represented the United States as both a player and a manager, understands the weight of the occasion better than most. He urged his son to soak in every moment, from the national anthem to the intense pressure of the competition, emphasizing that these experiences change a life forever. The letter serves as a grounding force, reminding Sebastian that his value as a person transcends his achievements on the pitch.
The former coach was particularly vocal about his pride in Sebastian’s personal growth. He noted that despite the professional milestones, his son has remained humble, kind, and grounded. This focus on character is a significant sentiment from a man who spent years in the cutthroat environment of international management. By telling Sebastian that he is proud of who he is rather than what he accomplishes, Gregg Berhalter provides a powerful shield against the immense scrutiny that comes with being a Berhalter in the USMNT setup. It is a father’s attempt to ensure his son enjoys the journey without being crushed by the expectations of the family name.
Sebastian Berhalter’s Earned Opportunity
While the Berhalter name is synonymous with the USMNT, Sebastian’s inclusion in the 2026 squad is a result of consistent performance at the club level. Now in his fifth season with the Vancouver Whitecaps, the 25-year-old midfielder has become a vital component of a team currently leading the Western Conference. His statistics this season—six goals and four assists—tell the story of a player who has matured into a reliable creative force. Having started his career with the Columbus Crew in 2020 and spending time with Austin FC, Sebastian has logged seven seasons in MLS, proving his durability and tactical versatility in a league that continues to grow in quality.
Gregg Berhalter was careful to highlight that Sebastian 'earned this' opportunity through his own hard work and perseverance. The midfield competition for the USMNT is fierce, and Sebastian has had to fight for every minute of recognition. His ability to convert under pressure, including a clinical penalty kick this season, has made him a valuable asset for the national team’s depth. As the MLS season pauses for the World Cup, Sebastian enters the tournament in peak form, ready to contribute to a squad that is looking to make a deep run on home soil. His journey from a rookie champion with the Crew to a World Cup midfielder is a testament to a career built on steady progression.
The Transition of Power: From Berhalter to Pochettino
The backdrop of this family story is the recent coaching transition within the U.S. Soccer Federation. Gregg Berhalter’s tenure as head coach, which spanned two stints from 2018 to 2024, ended following a disappointing exit from the 2024 Copa América. Despite leading the team to the Round of 16 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup and winning multiple CONCACAF trophies, the federation opted for a change in leadership. The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024 marked the beginning of a new era, one that Sebastian must now navigate without his father in the coaching booth.
For Gregg Berhalter, who has since taken the reins at the Chicago Fire in MLS, watching his son from the stands rather than the touchline represents a significant shift. He acknowledged that the two of them share an experience very few fathers and sons ever will—having both been part of the World Cup ecosystem. This transition has allowed Gregg to step back into a purely supportive role, free from the conflict of interest that sometimes dogged their professional relationship. Under Pochettino, Sebastian has a fresh slate to prove his worth to a manager with elite European experience at Chelsea, PSG, and Tottenham.
The 2026 World Cup Kickoff
The countdown to the tournament opener is nearly over, with Team USA set to face Paraguay on Friday night at the Los Angeles Stadium. For Sebastian Berhalter, this match represents the culmination of years of training and the realization of the dreams his father wrote about in his letter. The 9 p.m. ET kickoff in California will be a massive moment for the Berhalter family, as the younger generation takes center stage in front of a home crowd. The pressure of playing a World Cup in the United States is unprecedented, but the support from his father provides a unique emotional foundation for the midfielder.
The match against Paraguay is a critical first step for the U.S. in a group stage where every point is vital. Sebastian’s role in the midfield will be to provide the stability and industry that have become his hallmarks in Vancouver. As the world stops to watch, as Gregg’s letter predicted, the focus will be on whether this group of players can elevate the sport in America to new heights. For the Berhalters, the tournament is already a success in terms of personal achievement, but the competitive drive that defines their family will demand a strong performance on the pitch.
A Legacy Beyond the Touchline
Regardless of the final scorelines in 2026, the story of the Berhalters at this World Cup will be remembered as one of the most human narratives of the tournament. It serves as a reminder that behind the tactics and the results are families navigating the highs and lows of professional sports together. Gregg Berhalter’s letter has set a tone of grace and perspective that is often missing from the hyper-competitive world of football. It validates Sebastian’s individual path while honoring the shared history they have within the beautiful game.
As the tournament progresses, the attention will naturally shift to Pochettino’s tactics and the team’s advancement. Yet, for one player in the squad, the most important voice in his ear will be the one that reminded him to 'take in the anthem' and 'take in the joy.' The 2026 World Cup is a defining chapter for American soccer, and the Berhalter family remains at its heart, transitioned but still deeply involved in the sport’s growth. For more football news on MATCHLINE, follow our full coverage of the tournament and the road to the final.
