Matt Crocker will step down as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation just two months before the World Cup

Matt Crocker resigned as sporting director of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) on Tuesday, just two months before the World Cup, to take a new job in Saudi Arabia.

The USSF said Crocker left to pursue an unidentified international soccer opportunity, and a person familiar with the decision spoke to The Associated Press speaking on condition of anonymity because Crocker’s new job was not announced, he said he would be working in Saudi Arabia. His recruitment by Saudis was first reported by Fox.

Crocker’s departure was a surprise as the US will co-host the World Cup from June 11 and men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino’s contract expires after the tournament. The USSF will open its 200-acre training center and 17-field office complex next month in Fayetteville, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.

Dan Helfrich, who was appointed chief operating officer of the U.S. Federation in November, “will provide executive oversight and support for the federation’s sporting activities,” the USSF said in a statement. Helfrich will work with assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu – a former national team defender – and Tracey Kevins, head of development for the national women’s youth team.

Crocker, 51, was hired by the USSF in April 2023 after serving as director of football at Southampton since February 2020.

Crocker oversaw the decisions to rehire Gregg Berhalter as men’s coach in June 2023, to fire Berhalter in July 2024 after a first-round elimination at the Copa America and to hire Pochettino in September.

He also recommended hiring Emma Hayes as head coach of the women’s team starting in the spring of 2024. Hayes led the women’s team to the Olympic gold medal.

Published on April 14, 2026