Enjoy unlimited access to exclusive content and articles without ads. The 25-yearold midfielder, who is now a member of the national team, will tell that it was his father, not him, who told him that he didn’t measure up four years ago. That was before the FIFA World Cup 2022. Last week, after this year’s roster was revealed, he told reporters it “wasn’t close”. He watched in the stands as his father, who he had hoped would coach the 2022 team that he wanted to play for, coached it. A miniature replica of a World Cup trophy was on display at the concession stand. He took it as a sign that he will be at the World Cup of 2026.

He said, “That was my goal and the people would’ve thought me crazy.” “I’ve always been like that. I have always believed. No one will believe if you don’t. “I knew it was possible. So, for me, it was a no-brainer.”

His father, who spoke to NBC News, said that everything that has hpened in the past four years, since Gregg Berhalter told his son the hard truth, is proof that this was not the moment that defined his potential. He said that this type of mental endurance, resilience and focus is exactly what his son needs to succeed at the biggest soccer tournament in the World this summer. Gregg Berhalter told reporters that his most important pride is the journey he has taken. “He is a very hard worker. He’s a humble man, and he follows a set process. He’s also dedicated, focused, and he knows what he wants to do.”

Gregg Berhalter (U.S. team coach) on the sidelines of a World Cup game between England and USA at Al Khor, Qatar in 2022.

Sebastian Frej / MB Media, via

Sebastian Berhalter was a Vancouver Whitecs player in 2022. He had a new mentality that helped him become a starter. It also led to more chances in front of goal. Berhalter, who has played only 14 games in this year’s MLS campaign, already has six goals and seven assists. This is the culmination of Berhalter’s years of work to improve his technical skills. “I think the most important thing is to keep the ball, have a faster touch, and use my body,” he said. Sebastian Berhalter, who was pointed as head coach for the men’s national team by Mauricio Pachettino almost a full year after his dad left the position, received his first call up under his new boss. Berhalter, who said he had spent time on this aspect of the game last week, recorded two assists from set pieces at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In a friendly in Tampa, Florida against Uruguay a few months after, Berhalter scored his very first international goal. Berhalter was the final starter to be substituted in the friendly game against Senegal on Sunday. This was only days after being announced as a World Cup squad member. Pochettino referred to Berhalter as “a monster” who always gives his best, regardless of whether the game is a tournament, training or with friends.

He’s the kind of player they train and train. Pochettino stated that it is always a joy to coach a player such as him.

Berhalter said that giving 200% in the field was not something new to him. He always knew that, if he made the national team with his father, then he would have to do twice as much. He also said he was “so fortunate” to have had a father that could help him grow from childhood into his professional career. He said, “I feel so lucky to have my father in my corner.” “After games and just in general anytime, we will just talk back and forth about things. His mind was on his son when he heard that Chris Brady, his goalkeeper had been called up. He received a FaceTime from Sebastian moments later. Sebastian Berhalter called his father “so proud”. Pride is the first feeling his father has when he considers that he will be watching his son on the international stage for the very first time. “I can’t describe the feeling of being in a World Cup together with him, until I’m there, I don’t know what it’s like,” he said. “Now we will have this shared experience and that means a lot to me.”