Matt Crocker's Departure and U.S. Soccer's World Cup Preparations
Matt Crocker has decided to leave his role as U.S. Soccer's sporting director to take on a similar position with Saudi Arabia. This move comes as the U.S. prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Crocker played a key role in hiring coaches Mauricio Pochettino and Emma Hayes for the U.S. men's and women's national teams, respectively. Despite his departure, U.S. Soccer is confident in its World Cup preparations under the leadership of Pochettino and his staff.
Crocker, who joined U.S. Soccer in 2023 after a successful stint at Southampton, made significant contributions during his tenure. He was instrumental in bringing in top coaches like Pochettino and Hayes, leading to the women's team's gold medal win at the 2024 Summer Olympics. As the U.S. men gear up for their World Cup campaign, the organization is actively searching for a successor to fill Crocker's role. Former USA defender Oguchi Onyewu is among the candidates being considered for the position.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Crocker's departure to Saudi Arabia has raised eyebrows in the soccer world. His experience and leadership at U.S. Soccer have made him an attractive candidate for the role in Saudi Arabia, which will host the men's tournament in 2034. Despite the transition, U.S. Soccer remains focused on its preparations for the upcoming World Cup, with key matches scheduled ahead of the tournament. The organization is grateful for Crocker's contributions and looks forward to building on the progress made under his leadership.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, the USA and Saudi Arabia could potentially face each other at various stages of the tournament. Depending on their performance in the group stage and knockout rounds, the two teams could meet in Seattle, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, or even in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With both teams aiming to make their mark on the global stage, the upcoming World Cup promises to be an exciting and competitive event for soccer fans around the world.