Gregg Berhalter said he feels a tremendous amount of pride as his son Sebastian prepares to play for the USMNT at the 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup.
The selection marks a significant milestone for the Berhalter family, as Sebastian transitions from the shadow of his father's coaching tenure to a primary role on the national stage. This achievement comes as the U.S. prepares for its opening match against Paraguay.
Berhalter, who currently serves as the head coach of the Chicago Fire, said the moment during an interview on The Rich Eisen Show. He addressed the dynamics of being a former national team coach while his son competes in the same environment. He said that his previous position would have created a conflict of interest regarding his son's selection.
"I never could have picked him," Berhalter said [2].
Sebastian Berhalter was named to the 26 [3] man roster for the tournament. His inclusion allows him to compete in the June-July 2026 [4] event held across North America. The midfielder is expected to feature in the initial group stage matches as the U.S. seeks to advance in the competition.
Family members and sports analysts have noted that Gregg Berhalter's departure from the USMNT coaching role may have cleared a psychological or professional path for Sebastian. By removing the father-son reporting line, the current coaching staff could evaluate Sebastian's performance based on merit alone.
Gregg Berhalter has remained active in the sport through his role with the Chicago Fire, but the 2026 [1] tournament represents a different kind of professional fulfillment. The pride expressed by the former coach underscores the personal nature of the achievement for a family deeply embedded in American soccer.
“"I never could have picked him,"”
The selection of Sebastian Berhalter removes potential narratives of nepotism that would have persisted had Gregg Berhalter remained the head coach. By entering the 2026 World Cup under a different regime, Sebastian establishes his own professional identity while the U.S. national team attempts to build a new era of competitiveness on home soil.
