Former USA Coach Gregg Berhalter Writes Touching World Cup Note To Son Sebastian

Losing a monumental coaching position is brutal, but former USA head coach Gregg Berhalter has a way to keep supporting the team: his son.

Berhalter's son, Sebastian Berhalter, is a midfielder for Team USA in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the former USA coach penned a heartfelt letter to his son, which was released Tuesday.

Berhalter wrote in his note to Sebastian:

"The World Cup is one of the rare moments when the entire world stops and watches. It's a beautiful stage, but it's also a privilege, one that most people will never know. 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. 

"Moments like this change your life forever.

"But no matter what happens on the field, I hope you will always remember this: I am proud of you because of who you are, not because of what you accomplish. You've stayed humble through all of it. You've stayed grounded. You've stayed kind. And you've become an incredible young man. 

"You earned this. I love you."

Berhalter also said that he admires how his son has "never taken anything for granted" and expressed how the two of them "get to share an experience that very few fathers and sons ever will."

Regarding the former USA coach, Berhalter, who played for Team USA, had two stints as the club's head coach: 2018-22 and 2023-24. His contract expired following the 2022 World Cup, which saw Team USA be eliminated in the Round of 16, with the federation opting to have interim head coaches before bringing back Berhalter in June 2023.

With that said, Berhalter was let go after Team USA failed to advance past pool play in 2024 Copa América; former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain,