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The USMNT is in crisis mode just two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup after one of the soccer team’s top executives announced his departure.
American star Christian Pulisic and Team USA are closing in on a monumental World Cup for American soccer. The tournament’s return to the United States marks the first time since 1994 that the best countries will return to North America.
MORE: USMNT loses key striker to devastating injury ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
However, Fox Sports insider Doug McIntyre revealed a major blow to the U.S. team just two months before the FIFA World Cup. Sporting director Matt Crocker is set to leave his role with the American team and will take on a new job with Saudi Arabia prior to the tournament.
Former USA star Oguchi Onyewu will reportedly take over Crocker’s gig with the American team. Additionally, head of women’s development Tracey Kevins and Dan Helfrich will also help out with the role.
The Saudi team is also competing at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Middle Eastern side plays in Group H with Cape Verde, Spain and Uruguay during the first round.
Meanwhile, this development presents a major challenge for American soccer moving forward as the federation aims to expand on hosting the World Cup.
The 1994 World Cup served as a significant launching pad for the sport in the U.S. However, the Crocker news presents great uncertainty for the American team just two months before the tournament.
MORE: Argentina, Lionel Messi playing World Cup friendlies at iconic college football stadiums
“I anticipate zero impact on World Cup preparation as a result of Matt’s decision,” Helfrich said Monday in an exclusive interview. “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.”
U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino poses for a photo with sporting director Matt Crocker. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
The American federation maintains that Crocker’s departure won’t affect US Soccer in the short-term future. However, the U.S. men’s team has struggled to make up ground on top countries at the biggest tournament every four years.
Team USA’s best World Cup finish in recent history came back in 2002 after reaching the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the U.S. has failed to get past the Round of 16 several times in the past four World Cups.
That includes the 2018 World Cup in Russia where the American side failed to even qualify for the competition during a tumultuously cycle.
Continue reading...
American star Christian Pulisic and Team USA are closing in on a monumental World Cup for American soccer. The tournament’s return to the United States marks the first time since 1994 that the best countries will return to North America.
MORE: USMNT loses key striker to devastating injury ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
However, Fox Sports insider Doug McIntyre revealed a major blow to the U.S. team just two months before the FIFA World Cup. Sporting director Matt Crocker is set to leave his role with the American team and will take on a new job with Saudi Arabia prior to the tournament.
Former USA star Oguchi Onyewu will reportedly take over Crocker’s gig with the American team. Additionally, head of women’s development Tracey Kevins and Dan Helfrich will also help out with the role.
USMNT hits crisis mode before World Cup
The Saudi team is also competing at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Middle Eastern side plays in Group H with Cape Verde, Spain and Uruguay during the first round.
Meanwhile, this development presents a major challenge for American soccer moving forward as the federation aims to expand on hosting the World Cup.
The 1994 World Cup served as a significant launching pad for the sport in the U.S. However, the Crocker news presents great uncertainty for the American team just two months before the tournament.
MORE: Argentina, Lionel Messi playing World Cup friendlies at iconic college football stadiums
“I anticipate zero impact on World Cup preparation as a result of Matt’s decision,” Helfrich said Monday in an exclusive interview. “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.”
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U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino poses for a photo with sporting director Matt Crocker. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
The American federation maintains that Crocker’s departure won’t affect US Soccer in the short-term future. However, the U.S. men’s team has struggled to make up ground on top countries at the biggest tournament every four years.
Team USA’s best World Cup finish in recent history came back in 2002 after reaching the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the U.S. has failed to get past the Round of 16 several times in the past four World Cups.
That includes the 2018 World Cup in Russia where the American side failed to even qualify for the competition during a tumultuously cycle.
Continue reading...
