Father-son duos and the U.S. men’s team: World Cups, Hall of Fame legacies, and a future coach?

The U.S. men's national soccer team has its own storied history of father-son duos. The last names may not be as recognizable as Griffey, Bonds, or Manning -- but these duos have impacted soccer in the U.S. since the first-ever World Cup was held. 

So to honor Father's Day, we're celebrating those great fathers and sons throughout the history of the U.S. men's program, both at the player and coach level.

The newest father-son duo to join the list and the only one that features a USMNT player-turned-manager. Gregg was part of three World Cup squads — two as a player (2002, 2006) and one as the team's manager in 2022. In a Bay Area connection, Sebastian's first competitive cap came in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup match against Trinidad & Tobago on June 15, 2025 in San Jose. Gregg's competitive debut came in the same tournament against Cuba on Feb. 1, 1998 in nearby Oakland.

While Bob never played for the USMNT, he left his mark as its coach at the 2010 World Cup. That squad included Michael, a key player on the run to the Round of 16 in South Africa. Now following in his father's managerial footsteps, Michael was named coach at MLS reserve side New York Red Bulls II last week. Might we even see the first father-son duo to coach the USMNT a few years down the line?

The earliest USMNT father-son duo has its roots in the team's nascent days, including the squad that played at first ever World Cup in 1930. James, a Scotland native, scored at the inaugural edition in Uruguay and later became one of soccer's pioneers in the United States. His son George had just one USMNT appearance (against Mexico in 1970) but was also a key figure in developing the game. The Browns are inducted in the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

The Gyaus are