Just two months before the U.S. Men’s National Team kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign, U.S. Soccer was rocked by a major front‑office shake‑up. Sporting director Matt Crocker has stepped down effective immediately to take a similar role with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the federation confirmed Tuesday.
The news was first reported by Fox Sports and later made official by U.S. Soccer in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.
Crocker, who played a key role in hiring Mauricio Pochettino as head coach, leaves at a critical moment — forcing U.S. Soccer into a rapid restructuring ahead of the most important tournament the program has ever hosted, both competitively and nationally.
Oguchi Onyewu elevated to Sporting Director
Following Crocker’s departure, U.S. Soccer announced a significant internal reshuffle. Former U.S. international Oguchi Onyewu will move from deputy sporting director to the top job. He will work closely with Tracey Kevins and Dan Helfrich, who are also shifting into new leadership roles after leaving their previous positions as head of women’s development and chief operating officer, respectively.
The federation emphasized that the restructuring is designed to maintain stability as preparations intensify for the World Cup.
Crocker bids farewell to U.S. Soccer
In his farewell remarks, Crocker expressed gratitude for his time leading the federation’s sporting vision and voiced confidence in the team’s direction under Pochettino.
“It has been a privilege to be part of U.S. Soccer during such an important period for the sport in this country. I’m grateful for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with across the Federation, from our coaches and players to our technical and administrative staff. I’m proud of what’s been built together and confident the team in place will continue to move the game forward and drive success on and off the field,” Crocker told U.S. Soccer.
His exit marks a sudden and dramatic shift for the federation — and adds another layer of intrigue to the U.S. team’s final stretch of preparation before the world arrives on home soil this summer.
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