FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA — Matt Crocker is leaving his post as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation with less than two months to go until the 2026 World Cup. He will take up a similar role with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

The federation said Crocker was leaving to pursue an international soccer opportunity. The U.S. is a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11, 2026.

"It has been a privilege to be part of US Soccer during such an important period for the sport in this country. 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," Crocker said.

U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said: "Matt helped guide important steps across our sporting organization, and we're grateful for his contributions. We will continue building the right structure for the future, and we're well positioned to make the decisions needed in the short, medium, and long term."

U.S. Soccer said his duties will be shared by chief operating officer Dan Helfrich, assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu, women's youth national team head of development Tracey Kevins, and the broader sporting leadership team. Helfrich will provide executive oversight across the federation's sporting operations.

Crocker, 51, was hired in April 2023 after the previous sporting director, Earnie Stewart, left to take a similar role at PSV Eindhoven. His role gave him control over operations of all U.S. national teams, including youth setups for the men's and women's programs. He oversaw the rehiring of Gregg Berhalter as men's coach in June 2023, fired Berhalter in July 2024 after a first-round elimination at the Copa América, and hired Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024. Crocker also hired Emma Hayes as women's national team head coach at the end of 2023, following Vlatko Andonovski's departure after the 2023 Women's World Cup, with Hayes taking charge in spring 2024.

Commentator Alexi Lalas criticized the timing of the departure. "Just when I thought that the United States Soccer Federation couldn't get any more bat crap crazy, this happens. This is the leader and the architect of what is going to be on display this summer on the field and he's not going to be there. Not only is he not going to be there, evidently he's going to be with a competing team in the World Cup," Lalas said.

Saudi Arabia has spent the last decade investing in its state-run sports portfolio through its Public Investment Fund, including acquiring Premier League clubs, launching golf tours, and hosting title fights in UFC and boxing. That investment is partly aimed at preparing for its hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.