U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Crocker Resigns for Saudi Role

Matt Crocker, the sporting director for U.S. Soccer, resigned on Tuesday to pursue a new role in Saudi Arabian soccer, leaving the federation less than two months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off on American soil.

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Crocker's departure, stating he was leaving to take an unidentified international opportunity. A person familiar with the decision, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, confirmed Crocker will join the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in a similar position. Fox Sports first reported the connection to the Saudi project. The move comes as the United States co-hosts the tournament starting June 11, with the U.S. men's national team scheduled to open against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, followed by matches against Australia in Seattle and Turkey back in Los Angeles.

Crocker, a 51-year-old Welsh executive, joined U.S. Soccer in April 2023 after serving as director of football at Southampton and previously with the English Football Association. He replaced Earnie Stewart, who had left for a role at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. During his tenure, Crocker played a key role in several high-profile...