US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker Quits 2 Months Before World Cup

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US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker Quits 2 Months Before World Cup/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Matt Crocker resigned as U.S. Soccer sporting director just two months before the World Cup. He is expected to take a new soccer leadership role in Saudi Arabia. The sudden departure comes during a critical preparation period for the U.S. men’s national team.

Matt Crocker joined U.S. Soccer from in the summer of 2023, replacing Earnie Stewart.

Matt Crocker Resignation Quick Looks

Matt Crocker resigns as US Soccer sporting director
Departure comes two months before World Cup
Crocker expected to take Saudi Arabia role
U.S. co-hosting World Cup starting June 11
Mauricio Pochettino contract ends after tournament
New national training center opening soon
Dan Helfrich to oversee sporting operations
Oguchi Onyewu and Tracey Kevins remain
Crocker hired by US Soccer in 2023
Oversaw key coaching hires and changes

Deep Look: US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker Quits 2 Months Before World Cup

Matt Crocker has stepped down as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation in a surprising move just two months before the start of the World Cup, leaving the organization facing a leadership transition at a critical moment.

U.S. Soccer confirmed Tuesday that Crocker resigned to pursue an international soccer opportunity. A person familiar with the situation said Crocker is expected to take a new role in Saudi Arabia, though official details of the position have not yet been publicly announced.

The timing of Crocker’s departure raised eyebrows across the soccer world, particularly because the United States is set to co-host the World Cup beginning June 11. The tournament represents one of the most significant events in U.S. soccer history, making the leadership change especially notable.

Adding to the uncertainty, men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is currently under contract only through the end of the tournament. Crocker had played a key role in hiring Pochettino, making his departure even more significant for the program’s future.

Leadership Transition Begins

In response to Crocker’s exit, U.S. Soccer announced that Chief Operating Officer Dan Helfrich will assume executive oversight of sporting operations. Helfrich, who joined the federation in November, will work alongside assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu and Tracey Kevins, head of development for the women’s youth national team.

The trio will manage key responsibilities during the transition period, including national team preparation, player development, and operational planning.

Crocker’s resignation also comes shortly before U.S. Soccer opens its new national training center in Fayetteville, Georgia. The 200-acre facility, located outside Atlanta, includes 17 fields and office space and is expected to serve as a central hub for U.S. national teams.

Crocker’s Impact on US Soccer

Crocker, 51, joined U.S. Soccer in April 2023 after serving as Southampton’s director of football. During his tenure, he oversaw several major decisions involving both the men’s and women’s national teams.

Among his most significant moves was recommending the rehiring of Gregg Berhalter as men’s national team coach in June 2023. However, Berhalter was dismissed in July 2024 following the team’s first-round exit at Copa America.

Crocker then led the search that resulted in the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024, a move widely viewed as a major statement for the program.

On the women’s side, Crocker also recommended hiring Emma Hayes as head coach beginning in spring 2024. Hayes quickly delivered results, guiding the U.S. women’s national team to an Olympic gold medal.

Critical Timing Ahead of World Cup

Crocker’s departure comes during a pivotal stretch for U.S. Soccer, with final preparations underway for the World Cup. The leadership shift raises questions about continuity, long-term planning, and coaching decisions following the tournament.

Despite the sudden change, U.S. Soccer officials expressed confidence in the existing leadership team and the federation’s preparation plans.

With the World Cup approaching quickly, the focus now shifts to maintaining stability and ensuring both the men’s and women’s programs continue their momentum.

Crocker’s exit marks a significant transition for U.S. Soccer at one of the most important moments in its modern history.