The final days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already produced one of the tournament’s most personal moments. USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter fought back tears while reading a letter from his father, former U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter.
Sebastian, who officially earned a place on Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man World Cup Soccer roster, became emotional as he read the message aloud.
“I hope you always remember this. I’m proud of you because of who you are, not because of what you accomplished. You stayed humble through it all. You stayed grounded. You stayed kind. You’re becoming an incredible young man. You earned this. I love you. Dad.”
MORE: Top 5 Players under 25 in the 2026 World Cup
The moment carried extra weight given Sebastian’s journey to the national team. Just a few years ago, his World Cup hopes appeared distant. Gregg Berhalter had openly challenged his son to become a regular starter at club level before thinking about the national team.
That honesty helped shape one of the biggest breakthrough stories in American soccer over the last year.
Sebastian Berhalter’s World Cup dream is earned
Playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Sebastian delivered a standout 2025 campaign, earning MLS Best XI honors and club Player of the Year recognition. His form continued into 2026, helping him secure a place in Pochettino’s midfield ahead of the World Cup.
Sebastian admitted the moment hit him harder than expected.
“I swear I told myself I wasn’t going to cry. I swear,” Sebastian said. “It means everything. Just to hear Dad say he’s proud of you, it means a lot. And worked hard for this moment, and to see that, it’s very nice.”
Sebastian reflected on the tough conversations that fueled his rise.
“I think he’s always been real with me,” Sebastian said. “I’ve always been delusional about things. I’ve always been almost crazy at some points and believing that I should be on something that I’m not.
“And I told him I should be on that team. And always, I’m always going to think that I belong there. And he told me no, and he was 100% right. It means everything. I don’t want to cry again, but it means everything.”
Berhalter’s selection represents more than a family story. The 25-year-old has earned his place through production, consistency and tactical discipline. Those qualities fit exactly what Pochettino wants in a World Cup squad.
Now, with the United States preparing to open Group D play on home soil (at SoFi Stadium vs. Paraguay), Berhalter’s emotional moment shows that behind every roster announcement is years of sacrifice, belief and hard-earned growth.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
