Gregg Berhalter knows the current United States men’s national soccer team better than most. The former USMNT head coach worked with many of the players expected to form the backbone of Mauricio Pochettino’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
With the United States hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, Berhalter shared his prediction of how far Team USA can realistically go on home soil.
Why Gregg Berhalter Believes the USMNT Can Reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals
Speaking on the “Up & Adams Show” with NFL analyst Kay Adams, who has ventured into soccer discussions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Berhalter set ambitious expectations for a team he believes is entering the tournament at the perfect time.
“You know, I think quarterfinals is realistic,” Berhalter said.
Reaching the final eight would match the United States’ best World Cup performance of the modern era, having last reached the quarterfinals in 2002, during the tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Berhalter’s confidence stems largely from the experience within the current squad, with stars such as Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and Weston McKennie.
“The reason why I say that is because we have 13 players from the past World Cup. So they have World Cup experience,” he explained. “You have most of the players that are in their prime of their careers. So we’re ready for this. This is our moment.”
The 52-year-old, who is the current head coach of the Chicago Fire in MLS, also believes the continuity within the squad and the backing of American fans at home could prove crucial when the tournament begins.
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“It’s a tight nucleus of players. They’ve been playing together for a while. And it’s home soil,” Berhalter added. “You know how we get behind our home teams. And now I think the momentum that’s going to get created by our performances is going to really help us on.”
Berhalter ultimately backed the United States to give teams a run for their money in the knockouts too. “I think it’s realistic to expect us to win a knockout game or two.”
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There is also a much more personal reason for Berhalter’s optimism. His son, Sebastian Berhalter, is part of the United States’ World Cup squad after earning his place in the national team setup following a breakout season with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Berhalter recently admitted that he could never have selected his son during his own tenure as USMNT coach without facing questions about favoritism, but believes the midfielder has now fully earned his opportunity.
The United States has been drawn into Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and Türkiye, a group many believe the Americans should be capable of advancing from.
After reaching the Round of 16 in each of their last three World Cup appearances, the Americans will be aiming to take the next step and secure their first knockout-stage victory since the run to the quarterfinals in 2002.
