A Son of American Soccer Steps Into the Spotlight
With the 2026 World Cup just days away, football fever is sweeping across the United States like never before. As co-hosts, the USMNT carries the hopes of a nation eager to prove itself on the grandest stage. In the midst of this electric atmosphere, Sebastian Berhalter — son of USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter and a midfielder for the Vancouver Whitecaps — has made headlines by revealing his personal all-time United States national team starting eleven.
The selection, shared in a video interview with Marca, offers a fascinating glimpse into how the next generation of American players views the legends who built the foundation of US soccer.
The All-Time XI That Sparked Debate
Sebastian Berhalter’s lineup reads like a who’s who of American soccer royalty. Between the posts, he chose Tim Howard — the iconic shot-stopper whose record-breaking 16 saves against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup remains one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in tournament history. In defense, Berhalter selected a backline of Steve Cherundolo, Claudio Reyna, Carlos Bocanegra, and John Brooks, blending old-school grit with modern heroism. Brooks, of course, will forever be remembered for his towering header against Ghana in 2014 that propelled the US to the knockout rounds.
The midfield features the creative genius of Landon Donovan, the relentless energy of Michael Bradley, and the box-to-box brilliance of Clint Dempsey — three players who defined American soccer for over a decade. Up front, Berhalter paired the lethal finishing of Brian McBride with the electric pace of Christian Pulisic, the current standard-bearer of the USMNT.
Why This XI Matters Ahead of 2026
Berhalter’s selection is more than just a fun exercise. It reflects the growing depth of American soccer. While the old guard built respectability on the world stage, the current generation — led by Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun — has the opportunity to surpass them. The 2026 World Cup, played on home soil across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, represents a golden chance for this squad to create its own legacy.
The tournament kicks off on June 11, with the USMNT facing Paraguay in their opening Group A match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Expectations are higher than ever, and with a favorable draw and home advantage, Berhalter and his teammates have the tools to make a deep run.
As Sebastian himself put it, the players he named inspired him to chase his own dream of representing the Stars and Stripes. Now, with the World Cup on the horizon, the next chapter of American soccer is waiting to be written.
Source: Marca
