World Cup 2026: Meet USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter

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Sebastian Berhalter, player of United States, poses with his jersey during the United States World Cup roster reveal on May 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

The U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set with defender Max Arfsten making the team.

Each national team has to have at least 23 players and is allowed a maximum of 26 players and at least three goalkeepers are required to be on the roster. Team USA has 26 players.

Meet USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter

Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Sebastian Berhalter (#16) dribbles up field during the MLS soccer game between FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps FC on May 13, 2026 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Gett

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Sebastian Berhalter joined the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in February 2022 via a trade from the Columbus Crew.

In 2025, the midfielder started 41 of his 47 appearances across all competitions and recorded career-highs in goals and assists, finding the back of the net eight times while leading the team with 16 helpers, according to MLS.com.

The London native is the son of former USMNT and Chicago Fire FC head coach Gregg Berhalter.

When is the World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11 and ends on July 19.

The group stage

June 12, 2026: USA vs. Paraguay (Los Angeles Stadium)
June 19, 2026: USA vs. Australia (Seattle Stadium)
June 25, 2026: USA vs. Türkiye (Los Angeles Stadium)

These three matches will determine whether the Americans can advance from the group and begin a knockout-stage run in front of a home crowd.

The American team benefits from being seeded as a co-host in the expanded tournament, which could keep them from playing an elite opponent until the round of 16.

The U.S. hopes to advance far in the tournament and show it is making progress in a sport that trails the NFL, MLB and NBA in popularity at home. The Americans are 1-7 in knockout World Cup matches, the only win over regional rival Mexico in 2002.

Since reaching the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930, the furthest Team USA has advanced was the 2002 quarterfinals. While they have lost eight straight matches to European opponents since 2022, getting outscored 22-6, the Americans have a high level of confidence.