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As the old saying goes, “like father, like son.” And there is a new case of that with the American men’s national team.
The United States announced 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 United States 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 tour after making his debut in the 2022 edition – where he was coached by Gregg.
The elder Berhalter (who played on the 2002 and 2006 teams with 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 American manager, opening the door for the younger Berhalter to make his mark.
“Four years ago, his father, Gregg Berhalter, was the coach. [Sebastian] was in the stands in Qatar watching this team and now he’s on this team,” Fox Sports’ Alexi Lalas said on Tuesday’s episode of “Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union” following the USA roster unveiling.
Gregg had previously said he “could never have elected” his son back in 2022, but added “everything is where it needs to be. It’s his turn. It’s his time now.”
Lalas added that Gregg’s dismissal was a defining moment on Sebastian’s path to the WC list.
“I read those quotes from Gregg Berhalter. He’s proud of his son, but he’s also incredibly honest. Sebastian Berhalter is not on this team if Gregg Berhalter is still the coach,” argued Lalas.
“As painful as that moment was when Gregg Berhalter was fired from the USMNT, that’s why his son is now representing the United States at the World Cup,” added Lalas. “As a father, he’s probably pretty happy, and if that’s the trade-off, I think he’d be OK with it.”
Sebastian Berhalter is part of the 2026 squad. Gregg Berhalter coached the 2022 team (Getty Images)
FOX Sports soccer analyst Stu Holden said he believes the 25-year-old Berhalter would have made the team regardless because of the level he has played at over the past year, shining for both the United States and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Holden argued that criticism surrounding Berhalter’s inclusion is linked to a greater lack of respect for MLS players despite their recent performances.
“MLS bias. We have two guys, Berhalter and [Seattle’s Cristian] Roldan, those are good soccer players,” Holden said. “They’ve performed well in big moments for the U.S. and are having a great year with their team.”
Holden added that he would feel completely comfortable starting either Roldan or Berhalter in a World Cup match.
“I have no qualms or hesitation in saying I would start any of those guys in a game and I don’t think the level will drop,” Holden added.
Holden’s defense also reflects how much MLS representation remains on this USA roster.
Eight current MLS players made the 26-man World Cup squad, while an additional 13 players on the roster previously came through MLS academies or spent time developing in the league before moving overseas.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread over three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every game streaming live and on-demand within both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, are televised in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s June 12 opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET).
