Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer's sporting director, has officially left his position to join the Saudi Arabia football federation, just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, according to reports from Fox Sports and The Guardian. Crocker’s responsibilities, including overseeing national teams and infrastructure projects, will now be managed by interim leaders such as COO Dan Helfrich, assistant Oguchi Onyewu, and Tracy Kevins.
Crocker, who joined U.S. Soccer in 2023, played a key role in recruiting prominent coaching staff like Mauricio Pochettino and Emma Hayes, significantly shaping the national teams' World Cup preparations, as noted by MyJoyOnline. His departure occurs at a critical moment, raising questions about continuity just months before the tournament.
The timing of Crocker’s exit has drawn criticism from notable figures in American soccer. Former U.S. player and analyst Alexi Lalas described the move as an "unnecessary own goal," highlighting the challenges it poses to U.S. Soccer's stability and planning, according to Fox Sports. Despite this, the federation has emphasized that current preparations for the World Cup will continue without disruption.
As U.S. Soccer adjusts to this leadership change, the interim team’s ability to maintain momentum and ensure smooth coordination with coaching staff will be under close observation. The transition's impact on the final stages of World Cup readiness remains a key focus for stakeholders and fans alike in the coming months.
Oguchi Onyewu
Matt Crocker
Dan Helfrich
Tracey Kevins
U.S. Soccer
Mauricio Pochettino
Avery Hayes
Saudi Arabia
United States
