VANCOUVER — Sebastian Berhalter grew up witnessing exactly what it took to play in a World Cup. His dad, Gregg Berhalter, was a defender for the U.S. national team and later became coach.
Sebastian attended his first tournament when he was too small to remember the experience. Watching his dad at soccer's biggest showcase over the decades showed him firsthand the endless work and sacrifice required to be a top-level player.
"Growing up around my dad, it was always about my dad," said the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder. "We were trying to get him in the best headspace possible,physically also, to make sure he could be at his best."
Dream Realized
The 25-year-old was named to the U.S. national team Tuesday and could be on the field when the squad kicks off its tournament against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
"I'm so fortunate that I even get to be in a mix. It's incredible," Berhalter said. "Like, I was just thinking about it yesterday—that I even have a chance to make a World Cup team is something that a year ago would have been hard to believe."
MLS Dominance
In his seventh Major League Soccer season, Berhalter has grown into a star for the Whitecaps, helping power the team to the top of the Western Conference standings with a 10-2-2 record heading into the World Cup break.
He has a team-high 13 goal contributions through 14 appearances this season, including a career-high six goals.
"I think he was always a powerful force for us," said Vancouver teammate Thomas Muller. "From one to 90, every minute he is on the pitch, he gives everything. And he can provide a lot, not only in his endurance, his power, also his playmaking."
Rising Through the Ranks
Berhalter was a force for Vancouver last year, helping the club to a historic campaign with four goals and 12 assists in 29 MLS regular-season games.
He also recorded three goals and two assists over eight CONCACAF Champions Cup games, helped Vancouver to a fourth straight Canadian Championship title, and saw action in five playoff games, including the MLS Cup final.
With strong MLS play, Berhalter worked his way into the U.S. national team, making his debut in November 2025. He's since made 11 appearances with one goal and three assists.
"I think you're seeing the tip of the iceberg," he said. "All you're seeing is this part, but there's been times when I couldn't get into training, and then I got into training, and it's just been steadily just believing in myself."
Coach's Perspective
Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen is wary of taking credit for Berhalter's ascent. When the Danish former midfielder took over the team at the beginning of January 2025, he quickly learned about Berhalter's extraordinary work ethic.
Sorensen and his staff talked to the young athlete about slowing down his game, and a skill set Berhalter hadn't previously trusted emerged. He became Vancouver's go-to player for set pieces, and a reliable presence who can both set up goals and defend.