Matt Crocker Resigns as US Soccer Sporting Director Two Months Before World Cup
Matt Crocker has resigned as the sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) just two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, for which the United States is a co-host. Crocker is leaving to accept an undisclosed international soccer opportunity in Saudi Arabia, a move first reported by Fox News. His sudden departure comes as a surprise given the proximity to the tournament and the impending end of men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino’s contract. During his tenure since April 2023, Crocker oversaw significant staffing changes, including the hiring and subsequent firing of Gregg Berhalter, the appointment of Pochettino, and the successful recruitment of Emma Hayes for the women’s team. Following his exit, USSF Chief Operating Officer Dan Helfrich will provide executive oversight of sporting operations, working alongside assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu and women’s youth development head Tracey Kevins. The federation is also preparing to open its new training complex in Fayetteville, Georgia, next month.
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Matt Crocker Resigns as US Soccer Sporting Director Two Months Before World Cup
Matt Crocker has resigned as the sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) just two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, for which the United States is a co-host. Crocker is leaving to accept an undisclosed international soccer opportunity in Saudi Arabia, a move first reported by Fox News. His sudden departure comes as a surprise given the proximity to the tournament and the impending end of men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino’s contract. During his tenure since April 2023, Crocker oversaw significant staffing changes, including the hiring and subsequent firing of Gregg Berhalter, the appointment of Pochettino, and the successful recruitment of Emma Hayes for the women’s team. Following his exit, USSF Chief Operating Officer Dan Helfrich will provide executive oversight of sporting operations, working alongside assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu and women’s youth development head Tracey Kevins. The federation is also preparing to open its new training complex in Fayetteville, Georgia, next month.
AP News