Sebastian Berhalter Joins USMNT for 2026 World Cup

Sebastian Berhalter, a midfielder for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, has been selected for the United States national team's 2026 World Cup roster [1, 2]. His inclusion comes two years after his father, Gregg Berhalter, concluded his tenure as the USMNT head coach [1]. Berhalter's call-up by coach Mauricio Pochettino marks his entry into the senior international tournament scene, having previously debuted in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup [1].

Key takeaways

• Sebastian Berhalter was named to the 26-player USMNT roster for the 2026 World Cup [2].
• He is the son of former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter and former University of North Carolina player Rosalind Berhalter [1].
• Berhalter made his USMNT debut in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and scored his first international goal against Uruguay [1].
• He currently plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps FC [1].

Berhalter's Path to the National Stage

Born in London in 2001 while his father played for Crystal Palace, Sebastian Berhalter was raised in Columbus, Ohio [1]. His youth career included time with Swedish club Hammarby IF when his father managed their senior team, followed by joining the Columbus Crew youth academy in 2014 [1]. He played college soccer for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels in 2019 before signing a homegrown player deal with Columbus Crew in January 2020 [1]. Berhalter made his professional debut in July 2020 and was part of the Crew team that won the MLS Cup that season [1].

Following a loan spell with Austin FC in 2021, Berhalter was traded to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in February 2022 [1]. During the 2023 season, he made 37 appearances and scored two goals for the Whitecaps across all competitions [1]. His performance continued to develop, with 45 appearances, six assists, and three goals in the 2024 season, and 33 games, four goals, and 12 assists in the 2025 season, where he also appeared in the MLS All-Star Game [1]. Berhalter received his first call-up to the United States national team training camp in May 2025 under coach Mauricio Pochettino [1]. He scored his first goal for the national team during a 5-1 victory over Uruguay [1].

Why it matters

Sebastian Berhalter's selection for the 2026 World Cup roster represents a significant personal achievement and a notable storyline for the USMNT [2]. His inclusion, alongside other players like Gio Reyna, whose father was also a former captain, highlights a new generation stepping onto the international stage [2]. Coach Mauricio Pochettino informed the selected players via video, emphasizing the excitement of hosting the World Cup [2]. Berhalter's journey from youth academies and MLS clubs to the national team underscores the development pathways within American soccer, as he aims to contribute to the team's performance in the upcoming tournament [1, 2].