Chicago Fire manager Gregg Berhalter was brought to tears thinking about his son Sebastian Berhalter’s first World Cup goal for the U.S. men’s team against Turkey in the final group stage match.
Berhalter had a goal and an assist in the 3–2 loss to Turkey after the full 90 minutes.
“A lot was going through my head during the goal. Of course it’s great to watch your son play in the World Cup, but for him to have an assist and a goal in a World Cup game, I mean, it’s incredible,” Berhalter told ESPN.
“It really feels like one of those things that’s hard to put into words, it’s a feeling really because you’re so proud of them. When I was on the plane on the way back from the game, my eye got red just thinking about it. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about his journey and how much it meant to him. So that was really what I was focused on.”
Sebastian Berhalter scored his first World Cup goal against Turkey. Frederick J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
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Berhalter previously served as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team from 2018 to 2024, serving as manager during the previous World Cup in Qatar.
Despite leading the team, Berhalter did not call his son Sebastian during his tenure.
“I think about it all the time,” Gregg Berhalter said recently. “I could never choose him. But I know that everything is in its place. Now it’s his turn. Now is his time.”
The USMNT advanced to the round of 16, topping Group D after defeating Paraguay and Australia.
The team will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco on July 1.
“I’m excited,” Gregg Berhalter said of Wednesday’s matchup. “I’m very close to the team. You know, obviously Sebastian is involved even closer, but these are my guys, you know, I’m pulling for them, you know, just hoping that they continue to play well.”
“They have been great so far and have shown that they are ready for this moment. And so I have full confidence that we will play well tomorrow (Wednesday).”