Two years after losing his job as head coach of the United States men's national team, Gregg Berhalter is watching his son Sebastian prepare to represent the USMNT at the FIFA World Cup — a moment that would never have been possible had he stayed in charge.

"I never could have picked him," Gregg said, acknowledging the unavoidable conflict of interest that his tenure would have created for Sebastian's international career.

The elder Berhalter's dismissal, once a painful episode for the family, has taken on a different meaning in the buildup to the 2026 tournament. Sebastian now stands on the verge of fulfilling a dream that his father's continued presence in the dugout would have blocked entirely.

It is a remarkable turn of events — one that reframes a professional setback as the unexpected catalyst for a son's greatest opportunity on the international stage.