U.S. Soccer director Matt Crocker leaves role to work for Saudi Arabia

The United States Men's National Team will start its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, Calif. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

April 14 (UPI) -- Matt Crocker resigned as sporting director for the United States Soccer Federation, less than two months before the World Cup, officials said Tuesday.

The federation said Crocker left to "pursue another opportunity in international soccer," but did not provide details. Sources told Fox Sports, ESPN and the Guardian that he will join the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for a similar job.

Neither the U.S. Soccer Federation nor Saudi Arabian Football Federation immediately responded when asked for further comment on his decision.

"It has been a privilege to be part of U.S. Soccer during such an important period for the sport in this country," Crocker said in a news release. "I'm grateful for the people I've had the opportunity to work with across the federation, from our coaches and players to our technical and administrative staff.

"I'm proud of what's been built together and confident the team in place will continue to move the game forward and drive success on and off the field."

The U.S. Soccer Federation said chief operating officer Dan Helfrich will provide "executive oversight and support across the federation's sporting operations."

Officials said he will work closely with assistant sporting director Oguchi "Gooch" Onyewu, head of development for the women's youth national team Tracey Kevins and others inside the sporting leadership team.

Crocker was appointed sporting director in 2023. He previously worked as head of development for the English Football Association and director of football operations at Southampton.

The United States Men's National Team will battle Paraguay in a Group D opener at the 2026 World Cup on June 12 in Inglewood, Calif.