How Sebastian Berhalter has evolved for the USMNT

ST. LOUIS — The first U.S. match of the second Mauricio Pochettino coaching term featured almost a dozen debuts and a resounding victory over Peru on Saturday in Central Florida. Two teenagers scored, other newbies excelled, and a mix of veterans and prospects drew rave reviews in opening a new four-year World Cup cycle. It was a night of youth, hope and the future. The friendly, though, was punctuated by a 25-year-old midfielder in his 19th international appearance — downright ancient by current U.S. roster standards. Ten minutes after entering as a sub, Sebastian Berhalter skipped a delicious cross to teenager Julian Hall for the third goal. In the 90th, from well beyond the penalty area, Berhalter ripped a scandalous shot with blinding pace and meticulous accuracy to cap a victory that exceeded all expectations. Some 16 months ago, Berhalter was a late-emerging prospect out of Major League Soccer, nervously reporting to his first U.S. camp at any age level ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Like other newcomers, he turned to veterans Tim Ream, Tyler Adams and Chris Richards for guidance and direction. Sebastian Berhalter strikes the ball during the second half against Peru on Sept. 26, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Mark Thorstenson/ISI Photos via Getty Images Flash forward to this four-match camp over 16 days: He’s a veteran presence with a World Cup goal to his name, an ascending club career in northeast England and growing leadership responsibilities. Flashing back to his first camp, Berhalter said, “It was guys, my role models, people I've always dreamt of playing with. They showed me the ropes. … [Now] I'm doing it for younger guys. So kind of came fast. Didn't think it was going to come this fast … to be able to show people what it means to play for this country.” As he sought to establish himself in club and international circles, Berhalter was known, first and foremost, as the son of former U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter. It was a label that shadowed him for some time. From a tight-knit family in which his father helped shape his career, he embraced it. But through his performances, production and growth, Sebastian has surged into the family forefront, a step ahead of his father, the Chicago Fire’s second-year coach. The younger Berhalter and the young U.S. squad will face Chile on Tuesday in St. Louis before clashing with Mexico on Saturday in the Phoenix area and Canada on Oct. 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota. “I still am that kid that just wants to do everything for their country,” he said. “Nerves aside, it's just been about trying to do my best and filling the gaps wherever the team needs. And whenever I have a chance to play, I'm doing what I can.” What he did Saturday in Orlando helped seal the resounding victory. With the U.S. holding a fragile lead, Berhalter settled a pass on the right side and whipped a cross into the six-yard box — too quick and too far out for goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to intervene. The ball skipped to the far post, where Hall deflected it into the net with his right knee. Later, Hall returned the favor, drawing a crowd in the box before laying the ball off to Berhalter following the build-up. With ample space and time, Berhalter ripped a right-footed shot that took flight and beat the soaring Gallese to the right side of the net. Describing his increasingly dangerous shot from distance, Berhalter said, “It's countless amount of hours and countless amount of tries and attempts of feeling what feels right. And then it's about repeating that and also watching different videos — watching teammates, watching guys how they strike the ball, and then seeing what works for you. For me, it was always something I wanted to add in my game. It’s something I've definitely gotten better [at] over the years.”  Earlier, a Berhalter attempt sailed off-target. The next bid was clean and pure — his third international goal after scoring in a friendly against Uruguay in late 2025 and Turkey in the final game of the World Cup group stage. “I was pretty sure he was going to hit the second one well because the first one was a bit off,” teammate Damion Downs said. “As soon as I [saw] the touch, I mean, I wasn't surprised because I see it every day. I was just happy for him in that moment.” Berhalter arrived in camp from Middlesbrough, the English second-flight club that acquired him from the Vancouver Whitecaps after the World Cup. With three other Americans employed there — midfielder Aidan Morris, left wing back Max Arfsten and midfielder Rokas Pukštas — Boro has become known to some as “Middle America.” During this international window, Middlesbrough sent members of its communications staff stateside to chronicle his activities. “It feels almost like a fake European experience because you hang out with your boys every day,” Berhalter said. “Aidan [who arrived two years ago] has crash-coursed the whole city. He knows where to go and maybe where not to go. It's fun. We're enjoying it, and we have a good team. We have a clear goal to be promoted by the end of the year.” After losing to Hull City in the promotion final last season, Middlesbrough is seeking to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17. With a 4-1-3 record, the club sits third on the 24-team circuit. Three will advance. In his Aug. 7 debut, Berhalter started and assisted in a 1-0 League Cup victory over Wrexham. In the English Championship, he assisted in a 1-1 draw at Burnley and scored twice in a 4-3 triumph over Norwich City. In all competitions, he has started eight times and subbed in twice. “Big transition,” Berhalter said. “Just how much they love football over there. The intensity of it is incredible, and being in a small town, they do live, breathe and eat it. It's fun. It's games every couple days and it's a grind. But it's what you want as a player.” So is starring for your national team.