The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) announced the immediate departure of sporting director Matt Crocker on Tuesday, who exits to “pursue another opportunity in international soccer” and leaves a sense of instability for the Stars and Stripes just two months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.
Crocker, who joined USSF three years ago to elevate the game and caliber of coaching stateside, was directly responsible for the hiring of both U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. women’s national team manager Emma Hayes—a key ally of both. He was most recently in Atlanta for the USMNT’s March international camp, which featured two friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
