It’s been nonstop for Sebastian Berhalter since the calendar turned to 2026 and that’s exactly how he likes it.

Berhalter is continuing his early months at English second-tier side Middlesbrough, helping the club to a current first place spot in the EFL Championship. Following 18 appearances with the Vancouver Whitecaps earlier this year, and nine additional outings for the U.S. Men’s National Team, Berhalter embarked overseas for a new chapter in his career.

The schedule hasn’t stopped for Berhalter, who has made 18 combined appearances for club and country since the 2026-27 season began last August. Although there hasn’t been much of a rest for Berhalter, he’s enjoyed the opportunity of playing week in and week out, especially for a club with high aspiriations.

“I feel good,” Berhalter told SBI. “There wasn’t too much of a break [after the World Cup], but I feel like I’ve been ready for this. I feel ready to take on this load and ready to perform at a high level, even though it’s been a lot of games. I’m enjoying it. It’s the best thing when you’re playing a lot so it’s been good.

“It was a club that over the last two years I’ve watched a lot not only because of Aidan but also because the coach had them playing an attractive style of football that I enjoy,” Berhalter added. “Obviously Aidan being here and telling me about the club and all the great traditions in their history helped and what it can do for my career. This team has a chance to get promoted and that’s my ultimate goal, to come here and help the team get promoted.”

Berhalter’s move to Middlesbrough has not only led to an immediate role in the squad, but a connection with several international teammates.

Aidan Morris is in his third season with Middlesbrough after previously teaming up with Berhalter at MLS side Columbus Crew, while Max Arfsten joined Berhalter this past summer after both were part of the USMNT picture over the past year-and-a-half. Rokas Pukstas is one of the newer faces at the club and although him and Berhalter haven’t had much time on the field together, they’ve continued forming a strong bond.

Berhalter values the chemistry he has with his three fellow Americans, knowing it’s benefitted his adjustment in England.

“It’s been great, we hang out all the time which is nice,” Berhalter said. “Max lives across the street from me, so it’s really nice. Rocky’s [Rokas] been great. He’s a great kid. He works his ass off and he just wants to learn. He wants to take everything in and use it and it’s great to be around someone like that, that’s just a sponge, 24-7. With Max, I feel like we spent last year together, being together in the summer and then going straight to Middlesbrough together. It’s been pretty cool and now he’s one of my best friends and it’s really special to have a relationship with him.

“And then Aidan’s been great,” Berhalter added. “He’s helped all of us settle and tell us where to go and where not to go. Playing with your best friends is amazing. We have so many fun moments on and off the field so yeah we’ve been doing great. Everyone’s been doing a good job and now it’s just about for us to keep going. It’s made it so much easier. We have each others backs and you know Aidan’s already been through a lot so we kind of lean on him when we’re going through anything.”

Berhalter didn’t have to wait long to see the field for Middlesbrough, a testament to Kim Hellberg’s early trust in him.

The 25-year-old set up Middlesbrough’s winning goal on his debut, logging 90 minutes in a 1-0 EFL Cup first round victory over Wrexham. Arfsten also made his club debut in the result, with both players receiving a standing ovation from the home fans at the Riverside Stadium at the final whistle.

Berhalter relished the moments of his opening night performance, admitting that he wanted to prove he belonged immediately.

“It was amazing,” Berhalter said about his debut against Wrexham. “Thinking back to that game, it was a fun game. It was my first real competitive game where I was playing in Europe so I couldn’t believe it for a bit and then it was getting into work. Just playing and enjoying it and trying to do what I do and use my strengths to help the team win. It was definitely a great game to play in.”

13 appearances later and Berhalter has added two goals and one additional assist under his belt, as he closes in on 1,000 minutes played.

Middlesbrough’s only league defeat of the season came against Blackburn Rovers back on August 22, but since then, they have surged up the league table. Hellberg’s men have yet to lose at home this season, while also taking a modest 11 out of 18 available points on the road in EFL Championship action.

Berhalter has been pleased with the team’s start through 12 matches, but knows there is still a long way to go in the promotion race this season.

“We have the belief and I think it’s just about taking it one game at a time and not look too far ahead,” Berhalter said. “Our coach prepares us really well that we’re not looking too far ahead, and we’re just really focused on the task that’s in front of us. I think everyone’s in good spirits and ready to just keep pushing.”

The EFL Championship is still considered as one of the more grueling leagues in Europe due to its 45-match season schedule and plenty of multiple-match weeks. Middlesbrough’s involvement in the EFL Cup earlier this fall led to several weeks where they were playing three matches in a seven-to-eight day span.

Despite their elimination to Crystal Palace in early-September, Middlesbrough’s league schedule has continued to push forward, with a frantic holiday period still on the horizon this December-January.

A busy calendar is nothing new though for Berhalter, who played several multi-match weeks with the Whitecaps and believes that has helped him prepare for the EFL’s congested schedule.

“I think it’s similar to that sense,” Berhalter said about the multi-match week schedules. “I feel like we played a lot of three-game weeks in Vancouver, especially last year. I think it’s different here as an intensity thing because it just means so much to the people, to the players, and that it’s life or death, promotion- relegation. Everyone feels like it’s fighting for our lives every game and I think it’s fun to be a part of.”

Prior to Berhalter’s move to England, his productive run with the Whitecaps over multiple seasons propelled him into the USMNT picture in 2025. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino rewarded Berhalter with his senior debut at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and it’s led to the thriving midfielder earning 22 caps and scoring four goals to date.

Berhalter made his FIFA World Cup debut last summer on home turf and helped the Americans reach the Round of 16 before an eventual 4-1 loss to Belgium. Despite the USMNT’s frustrating exit, Berhalter was one of several players who impressed at t...

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