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The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) confirmed the sudden exit of sporting director Matt Crocker on Tuesday, who departs to "pursue another opportunity in international soccer," casting a shadow of uncertainty over the national program just two months before the 2026 World Cup gets underway.
Crocker, who joined USSF three years ago to raise the standard of the game and coaching quality across the country, was personally responsible for appointing both U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes—serving as a crucial supporter of both. He was most recently present in Atlanta for the USMNT's March international window, which included two friendly matches against Belgium and Portugal.
"It has been an honor to be part of U.S. Soccer during such a significant chapter for the sport in this country," Crocker said. "I'm thankful for the people I've had the chance to collaborate with throughout the Federation, from our coaches and players to our technical and administrative staff. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together and confident the team in place will keep pushing the game forward and achieving success both on and off the field."
While the 51-year-old Welshman's next professional move was left unspecified by the Federation, Crocker is set to take on a comparable role with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, according to reports from FOX Sports correspondent Doug McIntyre.
What does Crocker's ill-timed departure mean for U.S. Soccer, the USMNT and, most critically, the upcoming World Cup?
Poor Optics for U.S. Soccer
USSF moved quickly to reassure stakeholders of continuity despite Crocker's exit, with chief operating officer Dan Helfrich, assistant sporting director Oguchi "Gooch" Onyewu and head of women's youth national team development Tracey Kevins stepping in to absorb his duties. Furthermore, World Cup preparations, having "been long established," will "not see any adjustments as a result of this transition." Even so, Crocker's abrupt departure carries deeply unfavorable optics for the Federation.
Crocker, only the second-ever sporting director in USSF history, was seemingly brought aboard in 2023 for the long term to "set the Federation's sporting vision and performance strategy" and guide the overall "technical direction" of U.S. Soccer in its ongoing pursuit of growth and development—two vital responsibilities for a nation still maturing in its relationship with the sport. He had been making a tangible impact through the Federation's "U.S. Way," a strategy unveiled last year that he architected to enhance player development pathways.
His abrupt exit, just weeks before the U.S. hosts the World Cup—the sport's grandest stage and a defining moment for soccer's expansion in the country—leaves a sour impression, undermining the Federation's stated ambitions.
The situation is made worse by his reported move to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in particular. Saudi Arabia is among the 48 nations competing in the World Cup this summer and will actually play all of its group stage fixtures on U.S. soil.
Uncertainty for Pochettino
For now, it is business as usual for Pochettino in the final stretch toward the World Cup. U.S. Soccer confirmed that summer preparations are proceeding normally, with the Argentine manager set to "maintain full authority over team performance and tournament preparation."
That said, Crocker's departure adds further uncertainty around Pochettino's long-term future with the Stars and Stripes, particularly given that his contract expires shortly after the World Cup concludes. The outgoing sporting director was a key backer of Pochettino, not only bringing him on board in September 2024, but also sharing a history with him across the Atlantic and forging a strong working bond.
The pair collaborated effectively and built considerable mutual trust during their time together at Premier League club Southampton in the 2013–14 season, when Pochettino served as manager and Crocker held the role of technical director.
With Crocker no longer in the fold, Pochettino may be increasingly tempted to return to Europe, having already been linked with moves to Tottenham and Real Madrid.