Sebastian Berhalter has been around U.S. Soccer his whole life with his father, Gregg, a former U.S. Men’s National Team player and head coach. That’s why it was all the sweeter when Berhalter got the chance to don the crest himself when he earned his first cap in June.
“[It’s] a dream come true. There’s not even words to describe that feeling,” Berhalter said on the U.S. Soccer podcast. “Especially putting on the jersey for the first time, singing the national anthem, it couldn’t have meant any more to me. I don’t think I’ll have a better moment in my career. Honestly, I feel like that first time is something that’s so special.”
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino gave Berhalter his first National Team call-up in May, and the midfielder started six matches over the summer, including five in the Concacaf Gold Cup Final run. Berhalter became an important part of the USMNT attack. He recorded two assists — both in the Gold Cup and both off set pieces.
While he proudly represented his country this summer, Vancouver, Canada — where he plays for Whitecaps FC — has nestled a special place in Berhalter’s heart. The city will also be a host in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Whitecaps' home stadium, BC Place, will hold seven matches, including two in the knockout rounds.
“It’s home,” Berhalter said. “I’ve lived there the last four years. It’s a team that took a chance on me. Not a lot of teams were willing to, and it feels like home.”
Berhalter, 24, joined the Whitecaps in 2022 after short stints with Austin FC and Columbus Crew. This season, he’s had a breakout year in a starting role as the Whitecaps aim for top spot in the Western Conference. He said new head coach Jesper Sørensen gave him the confidence and freedom to come into his own this year. That growth has culminated in two major milestones: his USMNT debut and his first MLS All-Star selection.
Sørensen wanted Berhalter to be more involved in the Whitecaps' attack. Initially, Berhalter wasn’t sure if he could do it, but it turned into a sweet spot for the center midfielder. He especially excelled in the Concacaf Champions Cup, where he tallied three goals and two assists in eight starts, lifting the Whitecaps to the Champions Cup Final.
None of it would be possible, though, without the formative relationship on the field with his father. Berhalter said his father knows exactly how to get the best out of him in intense training sessions back home. It has helped propel him to become the player he is today.
The Berhalters became the eighth father-son duo in USMNT history to suit up in the red, white and blue.
“Growing up, that was always my dream to follow my dad's footsteps,” he said. “So, it's definitely a proud moment for the family.”
