Sebastian Berhalter In Tears After Reading Father Gregg Berhalter's World Cup Letter
Playing at a World Cup is a special achievement for any football player, and this summer, the USMNT will have another Berhalter at a World Cup: Sebastian Berhalter.
The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder earned his call-up to the USMNT World Cup roster and will follow in his father's footsteps in participating in a World Cup. His father is Gregg Berhalter, who was recently the USMNT head coach in the 2022 World Cup.
Gregg Berhalter was also a player for the USMNT and played at two World Cups (the 2002 and 2006 World Cups). Gregg Berhalter is the only American to represent the United States as a player and as a head coach.
Sebastian Berhalter stood out under Mauricio Pochettino and is considered key for the USMNT ahead of the World Cup.
FIFA provided an emotional video where Sebastian Berhalter received a motivational letter from his father as he is set to make his World Cup debut.
Gregg Berhalter's Message for Sebastian Berhalter
FIFA uploaded a video from their YouTube series 'Letters that Unite.' It showcased Sebastian Berhalter receiving an emotional letter from his father, Gregg Berhalter.
The letter was read by Sebastian Berhalter, and the words from the letter made the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder very emotional.
Gregg Berhalter expresses how proud he is of his son for making the USMNT World Cup squad.
Gregg Berhalter wrote, "What I admire most about you is that you have never taken anything for granted. You understood early on that nothing would be handed to you. I remember preparing for a national team game in 2024 when you asked me if I thought you had a chance to make the roster, and I had to answer honestly. I told you that if you weren't consistently starting for your club yet, it would be difficult to make the national team."
Gregg Berhalter mentions that from that moment, his son worked harder and earned his call-up to the national team.
Gregg Berhalter wrote, "That's why making the World Cup team means so much to me, because I know how much it means to you...I now get to watch my son live that same dream. And together we get to share an experience that very few fathers and sons ever will. There's no way to explain how special that is...Enjoy every second of it. Take in the anthem, take in the pressure, take in the joy of competing alongside your teammates and representing something bigger than yourself. I hope you always remember this. I'm proud of you because of who you are..."
A letter from Gregg Berhalter congratulating his son Sebastian on making the FIFA World Cup roster left him full of emotion
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2026
(via YT/FIFA) pic.twitter.com/5vaIHeQ1uz
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 12:59 PM.