Matt Crocker quits as US Soccer Federation sporting director 2 months before World Cup

Matt Crocker has resigned from his role as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation, departing to accept a new position in Saudi Arabia, the federation confirmed Tuesday. The announcement comes just two months before the United States is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving a critical leadership vacancy at a pivotal moment for American soccer.

Crocker, who had overseen the federation’s technical and performance programs, will step away immediately, according to the brief statement released by the USSF. No interim successor was named, and the federation did not provide further details on the timeline for appointing a replacement or how Crocker’s responsibilities will be managed during the transition.

The timing intensifies pressure on U.S. Soccer as it finalizes preparations for the sport’s flagship event, which will kick off in June across venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.