U.S. Soccer announced Tuesday that sporting director Matt Crocker has stepped down from his position, ending his tenure just months before the United States co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Crocker is reportedly expected to take a similar role with Saudi Arabia's soccer federation.

Crocker was hired by U.S. Soccer in April 2023 with a mandate to guide the program through a long-term modernization effort. During his tenure of less than two years, he played a central role in hiring two high-profile coaches for the national teams: Emma Hayes for the U.S. Women's National Team and Mauricio Pochettino for the U.S. Men's National Team.

The timing of Crocker's departure comes as questions persist about the effectiveness of Major League Soccer's role in developing World Cup-caliber players. Data shows a declining trend in MLS representation on World Cup rosters, from 16 players on the 1998 squad to just one regular starter in 2022. The U.S. men's team even fielded no MLS players in their final group stage match against Iran at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Crocker's departure creates uncertainty for U.S. Soccer's preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The federation will need to find a replacement to oversee the program's development strategy during a critical period leading up to the tournament on home soil.