US Soccer Sporting Director Departs Amid World Cup Push

Matt Crocker, the sporting director for U.S. Soccer, has resigned from his position with immediate effect. This departure comes less than two months prior to the 2026 World Cup. Crocker is set to take on a new role within the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).

Crocker, who joined U.S. Soccer in 2023, previously worked with the English Football Association and Southampton. His significant contributions included leading the re-hiring of Gregg Berhalter as the U.S. men's national team coach and recruiting Emma Hayes for the U.S. women's national team.

He was also instrumental in the search that led to Mauricio Pochettino becoming the USMNT coach. Crocker was a key proponent of the "U.S. Way" strategy, focusing on player development and pathways throughout the American soccer ecosystem.

Despite his efforts, Crocker expressed recent frustration with the slow pace of progress in youth soccer. He described the endeavor as complex and political, acknowledging a potential underestimation of the time required to build trust within the system.

Crocker was among U.S. Soccer's highest-paid employees, receiving substantial compensation. He had relocated to Georgia for the role, with his family joining him later. He was present during the USMNT's recent training camp in Atlanta.