Report: U.S. Soccer Executive Matt Crocker Leaving For Saudi Arabia

Between a series of inexcusable performances from the US men's national soccer team and the total lack of hype around the FIFA World Cup in less than 60 days, panic is truly starting to set in among American soccer fans. Unfortunately, that panic is being channeled into anger as one top soccer executive has abruptly bolted.

According to Doug McIntyre of FOX Soccer, U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker is leaving his role in the United States to take a similar one in Saudi Arabia. Until a permanent replacement is announced, his duties will be shared by assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu, head of women's development Tracey Kevins and USSF COO Dan Helfrich.

"Matt Crocker is leaving his position as U.S. Soccer's sporting director with immediate effect to take a similar role with Saudi Arabia, multiple sources told me on Monday," McIntyre wrote on Tuesday morning.

In an interview with McIntyre, Helfrich confidently stated that Crocker's departure will have "zero impact" on the USSF's World Cup preparation. He also gave his vote of confidence to embattled head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

"I anticipate zero impact on World Cup preparation as a result of Matt's decision," Helfrich said. "Mauricio and his staff have full control of the preparations for this summer's tournament, and we have full confidence in them. This transition in no way impacts those plans, which have been long-established."

Fan Response

The anger being directed at fans has less to do with losing Crocker's abilities and more to do with the principle of someone leaving the team in the middle of their final preparations for the biggest World Cup in history. But that hasn't made the discourse any less nasty:

"Career executives like this are a cancer. Matt proves he doesn't give a (expletive) about the results, only the next step," one user declared.

"Are you kidding me? Right before the WC? And then his role is divided up to others in the organization? What a complete farce," wrote another.

"He was a disaster from the start. Good riddance to this snake," a third wrote.

"This is borderline treason."

In their last two friendlies, the USMNT has been outscored 7-2 by Belgium and Portugal. Their next two games won't be until the final stretch of preparations before the World Cup. Hopefully the team is healthy and has their head on straight by then.

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 10:54 AM.