As the old saying goes, “like father, like son.” And there’s a new case of that with the U.S. men’s national team.
The USA released its 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday and with his inclusion, Sebastian Berhalter will join his father Gregg Berhalter as the second ever father-son duo to play for the USA at a World Cup.
The Berhalters join Gio Reyna and his father Claudio Reyna (a three-time World Cup participant) as the other pair, with Gio now set for his second World Cup trip after debuting in the 2022 edition – where he was coached by Gregg.
The elder Berhalter (who played on the 2002 and 2006 squads alongside Claudio) coached the USA to a Round-of-16 exit at the 2022 World Cup but was fired after the USA’s disappointing finish at the 2024 Copa América. That led to Mauricio Pochettino being hired as U.S. manager, which opened the door for younger Berhalter to make his mark.
“Four years ago, his dad, Gregg Berhalter, was the coach. [Sebastian] was within the stands in Qatar watching this crew, and now he’s on this crew,” Fox Sports activities’ Alexi Lalas mentioned on Tuesday’s episode of “Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union” following the USA’s roster reveal.
Gregg had beforehand mentioned that he “by no means may have picked” his son again in 2022, however added “every part is within the place it’s alleged to be. It’s his flip. It’s his time now.”
Lalas added that Gregg’s firing was a pivotal second in Sebastian’s path to the World Cup roster.
“I used to be studying these quotes from Gregg Berhalter. He’s happy with his son, however he’s additionally extremely trustworthy. Sebastian Berhalter shouldn’t be on this crew if Gregg Berhalter remains to be the coach,” Lalas argued.
“As painful because the second was when Gregg Berhalter was fired from the USMNT, it’s the cause why his son is now representing the USA on the World Cup,” Lalas added. “As a father, he’s most likely fairly joyful and if that’s the tradeoff, I feel he could be happy with it.”
Sebastian Berhalter is a part of the 2026 squad. Gregg Berhalter coached the 2022 crew (Getty Pictures)
FOX Sports activities soccer analyst Stu Holden mentioned he believes the 25-year-old Berhalter would have made the crew regardless due to the extent he has performed at over the past 12 months, who has shined for each the USA and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Holden argued that criticism surrounding Berhalter’s inclusion is tied to a bigger disrespect towards MLS gamers regardless of their current performances.
“MLS bias. Now we have two guys, Berhalter and [Seattle’s Cristian] Roldan, which might be good soccer gamers,” Holden mentioned. “They’ve carried out properly in large moments for the USA and are having an excellent 12 months with their groups.”
Holden added that he would really feel fully comfy beginning both Roldan or Berhalter in a World Cup match.
“I’ve no qualms or hesitation to say I’d begin both of these guys in a recreation, and I don’t suppose the extent drops off,” Holden added.
Holden’s protection additionally displays simply how a lot MLS illustration stays on this USA roster.
Eight present MLS gamers made the 26-man World Cup squad, whereas 13 extra gamers on the roster beforehand got here by means of MLS academies or hung out growing within the league earlier than transferring overseas.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Unfold throughout three international locations, the match will culminate with the ultimate on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 match matches will air stay throughout FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with each match streaming stay and on-demand inside each the FOX One and the FOX Sports activities app. A report 40 matches, greater than one-third of the match, will air in prime time throughout FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream without spending a dime on Tubi, in addition to the USA’s opening match in opposition to Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
