Sebastian Berhalter
CM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
May 10, 2001 (25)
Right
5'9"
154 lb
Signs with Middlesbrough
Berhalter has completed a transfer to Middlesbrough from Vancouver, according to his former club.
Analysis: Berhalter is finally on the move after a few weeks of talk of a move to England after a solid World Cup campaign with the USMNT, as the midfielder joins Middlesbrough in the Championship. This is a major jump for the American, who will look to make it work, unlike many of his fellow countrymen before. The 25-year-old had spent the past five seasons with Vancouver, recording 112 starts in 167 appearances while bagging 34 assists and 20 goals, a solid deep-lying playmaker in the midfield. With this being his first move out of MLS play, it may take some time to get adjusted to the much faster and more physical European game, only having a few weeks to get integrated before the season starts.
Out Saturday, transfer expected
Berhalter was listed as out for Saturday's matchup versus Minnesota United for reasons not related to injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Berhalter remains absent for Vancouver and might not return to the team, as he looks set to join English side Middlesbrough for the 2026/27 season. Such event would be a huge blow to a Whitecaps midfield which will be without its most consistent player, as well as lose a primary set-piece taker. The USMNT international scored six goals and delivered four assists over his first 14 appearances of the 2026 MLS campaign. Oliver Larraz and Andres Cubas are the top candidates to fill in in central midfield.
Expected back Wednesday
Berhalter (not injury related) is expected back for Wednesday's game against Cincinnati, according to TSN.
Analysis: Berhalter appeared in all five games for the USMNT in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting once and recording a goal and an assist across 185 minutes of play. Berhalter is a key piece in midfield for the Whitecaps, and he's expected to start another World Cup player, Andres Cubas, if deemed healthy and ready to roll.
Not ready after World Cup
Berhalter is out for the time being after serving with the USMNT at the World Cup, according to his MLS injury report.
Analysis: Berhalter is not injured but will miss some time following the World Cup break, giving himself some time to recover after serving with the USMNT. He would only start in one match for the team, but would appear in all five games for the team, earning one goal and an assist during the campaign. This will leave Vancouver without its star midfielder, leaving Andres Cubas to start in his spot until he returns from his time off.
Comes on for three minutes
Berhalter generated one clearance in Wednesday's 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Berhalter would return to the bench after a starting role in the group stage finale, as the midfielder only played three minutes Wednesday. He would complete four passes and earn a clearance, the little he could get in his short time on the field. He will likely remain a bench option as the tournament continues, although with Folarin Balogun out due to a red card, the team could see some rotation that gives Berhalter a bigger role.
Scores, assists in loss
Berhalter took one shot on goal, sent in eight crosses (four accurate), took nine corners, created five chances, scored a goal, and assisted on a goal in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Turkiye. He also suffered four fouls, committed three fouls, and picked up a yellow card during the match.
Analysis: Berhalter was arguably the United States' best midfielder on the night. His equalizing goal showcased his composure in front of goal, while his passing, work rate, and intelligence helped drive the U.S. attack for much of the match. Despite the disappointing result, he emerged with enhanced credibility and showed he can contribute in high-pressure knockout-stage matches. His performance was one of the few clear positives from the defeat and should put him firmly in contention for meaningful minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.
Remains active offensively
Berhalter registered four shots (one on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Houston Dynamo.
Analysis: Despite seeing his goal contribution streak snapped, Berhalter continued to pose a strong attacking threat. He played a role in five of the team's nine shots, logging one key pass and four attempts, though none came from inside the area. The midfielder has now taken at least three shots in four straight games.
Scores twice in 3-2 win
Berhalter scored two goals to go with four shots (two on goal), 10 crosses (three accurate) and six corners in Wednesday's 3-2 victory versus FC Dallas.
Analysis: Berhalter scored the first and third goals as his side went on to win 3-2 over FC Dallas. He has now scored six goals and provided four assists in his 12 games so far this season. He has scored three goals and provided one assist in his last three games. He has taken three or more shots in four of his last five games. He also created four chances in the game, his fourth time this season creating at least this number.
Rescues points in win
Berhalter scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), 11 crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus San Jose Earthquakes. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 55th minute.
Analysis: Berhalter's second half goal Saturday leveled the match and helped Vancouver earn a share of the points in a 1-1 road draw versus San Jose. In addition to his goal, the midfielder led the team with 11 crosses (three accurate). Over his last five appearances (five starts), Berhalter has averaged three chances created and 9.6 cross attempts per appearance.
Assists in road draw
Berhalter assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal), three chances created, six crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Los Angeles Galaxy. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 84th minute.
Analysis: Berhalter created Mathias Laborda's equalizer in the 81st minute with his fourth assist in the season. The midfielder led Vancouver in crosses as usual, while logging the second-most shots and chances created. He also received his second yellow card 10 appearances (nine starts).
Four shots during win
Berhalter generated four shots (zero on goal), 10 crosses (two accurate) and five corners in Friday's 3-0 win against Sporting Kansas City. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 69th minute.
Analysis: Berhalter had brilliant volume throughout Friday's rout, adding 10 crosses and four shots even though he couldn't produce any end product. That sort of volume is very encouraging for Berhalter though. Even without any efficiency at the end of those moves. Berhalter will remain a threat in midfield as long as he keeps that sort of volume in league play.
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