Crocker departs US Soccer for Saudi role ahead of 2026 World Cup
Matt Crocker has left U.S. Soccer with immediate effect to take a role with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, just weeks before the 2026 World Cup. Crocker helped shape major hires (Berhalter, Hayes, and later Pochettino) and spearheaded the federation’s “US Way” player-development plan. COO Dan Helfrich will provide executive oversight, while Oguchi Onyewu and Tracey Kevins continue to support sporting operations. Practically, the World Cup setup remains led by Mauricio Pochettino, and the federation says planning is in place to ensure continuity despite Crocker’s departure.