USMNT dealt major crisis months before 2026 FIFA World Cup

TL;DR

The USMNT faces a crisis just two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup as sporting director Matt Crocker announces his departure to join Saudi Arabia. Former player Oguchi Onyewu is expected to take over his role amid concerns for the team's preparations.

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.

Per multiple sources, Matt Crocker is leaving his role as U.S. Soccer sporting director for a similar role with Saudi Arabia. @FOXSoccer:

— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre) April 14, 2026 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.”

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.

Q&A

What impact will Matt Crocker's departure have on the USMNT before the 2026 World Cup?

While the U.S. Soccer federation claims Crocker's departure won't affect World Cup preparations, it introduces uncertainty just months before the tournament.

Who is replacing Matt Crocker as sporting director for the USMNT?

Oguchi Onyewu is reportedly set to take over as sporting director for the U.S. men's national team following Matt Crocker's departure.

What challenges does the USMNT face ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The USMNT is struggling to improve its performance on the world stage, having failed to advance past the Round of 16 in recent tournaments, including not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.