Top US Soccer Exec Departs for Saudi Arabia Role
Matt Crocker, the influential US Soccer sporting director, leaves his post less than 2 months before the 2026 World Cup to take on a similar role with Saudi Arabia's football federation.
Matt Crocker, the influential US Soccer sporting director, is departing his post with less than two months to go until the 2026 World Cup. US Soccer announced on Tuesday that Crocker will be leaving his role, and The Guardian has confirmed FOX Sports' earlier reporting that he is taking up a similar position with the Saudi Arabia football federation.
Crocker, who was hired by US Soccer in 2021, has played a key part in shaping the national teams, including the hiring of Emma Hayes as the new USWNT head coach and Mauricio Pochettino as the USMNT head coach. His departure comes at a critical time, just ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the US is co-hosting.
In the meantime, Crocker's duties will be shared by Dan Helfrich, US Soccer's chief operating officer, Oguchi Onyewu, the assistant sporting director, Tracy Kevins, the head of development for the women's youth national teams, and the broader sporting leadership team.
Source: The Guardian
