By The Canadian Press

Preparation key for Whitecaps balancing MLS play with potential FIFA World Cup runs

Mar 4, 2026 | 3:00 AM

VANCOUVER — The countdown to this summer’s FIFA World Cup has entered double digits, but some Major League Soccer players are doing their best to keep their minds off playing on their sport’s biggest stage.

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter knows his name is in the conversation to make the American team — and he’s trying not to think about what that might look like.

“I’m still just trying to do the best I can every day with Vancouver and playing the best I can in games,” he said Tuesday, exactly 100 days before the World Cup kicks off with the first group-stage matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico.

“It is still a ways away and I work better when I just stay in the moment. So, if I make the team it would be incredible, but if not, I’m still going to keep working.”

One Vancouver player likely to see minutes when the World Cup comes to Canada, the United States and Mexico this summer is Andres Cubas.

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The 29-year-old defensive midfielder was a critical part of the team that helped Paraguay get back into the tournament for the first time in 16 years.

Cubas said he’s also trying not to think about this summer’s soccer showcase, but admitted the competition often creeps into his mind.

“And for us, for Paraguay, it has been a long time we didn’t go to the World Cup,” he said.

“I think the key is (to be) prepared every day. Obviously focus on the Whitecaps every day in the MLS, day by day. And I think that’s the good way to prepare ourselves to get in the best possible shape for the World Cup.”

There are a handful of other ‘Caps who could join Cubas on the world stage.

Striker Brian White and defender Tristan Blackmon are also possibilities for the U.S. team, while defenders Sam Adekugbe and Ralph Priso may be part of the Canadian contingent. Whitecaps captain Ryan Gauld could suit up for Scotland, midfielder Kenji Cabrera has a shot at making Peru’s team, and new addition Cheikh Sabaly is likely to factor in Senegal’s plans.

Some of those athletes weren’t in the mix this time last year, noted Vancouver’s head coach Jesper Sorensen.

That changed with a 2025 season where the ‘Caps made the CONCACAF Champions Cup final for the first time, earned an MLS Western Conference title and faced Inter Miami in the MLS Cup.

Several players were recognized for their performances, including Blackmon, who was named MLS defender of the year, and Berhalter, who was named to the MLS Best XI.

“It happened over the course of the good performance they had throughout the CONCACAF Cup and MLS,” Sorensen said. “So let’s see. Maybe somebody can sneak in somewhere.

“And being in contention for a World Cup must be exciting for a player. And it must be an amazing feeling. And hopefully a lot of the players will make it.”

The Whitecaps are just four games into their season with many games ahead.

Vancouver will continue competing in both MLS and Champions Cup before the World Cup is staged from June 11 through July 19. The packed schedule will continue after the global tournament, with more league games, the Canadian Championship and Leagues Cup.

Knowing the calendar is stacked with multiple competitions isn’t changing how players are readying themselves the season.

“I don’t want to do a crazy thing or big change,” Cubas said of his approach. “Of course, the details are important. But (keep it) easy and work every day.”

For Sabaly, who made his MLS debut in Vancouver’s 3-0 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday, knowing a lot of big games are coming is a boon.

“It’s exciting for me to play that many games, but I love the mentality going into those (international) games,” the forward said in French via a translator. “(Senegal) has a good group, a group that can win championships and win the World Cup as well. It’s a great group that will work hard together to get to their goals.”

Even players who are trying not to think about the World Cup say getting called up to their national team is an incomparable experience.

“Wearing the badge and playing for your country is the biggest honour anyone can receive,” said Berhalter, whose father Gregg Berhalter previously served as head coach of the American men’s team.

“There were moments I didn’t get called into camp, and I realized how much I missed it and how every day and every second you’re there you have to be at your best.

“You can’t let one day, two days, go by the wayside. So being there made me realize how special and how important it is. And it’s something I’ll cherish forever.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 4, 2026.

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press