Landon Donovan Unleashes on Matt Crocker as U.S. Soccer Director Departs for Saudi Arabia

"We should be celebrating his departure." Those are the blunt words from Landon Donovan — American soccer royalty, not some anonymous keyboard warrior — regarding Matt Crocker's exit as U.S. Soccer's sporting director, with less than two months remaining before the United States co-hosts the World Cup.

Crocker is bound for Saudi Arabia. The departure, verified by a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, was initially broken by Fox Sports. He's abandoning what could be the most significant position in American football history to join Saudi Arabia's ambitious football initiative — precisely when that position carries maximum importance.

Donovan pulls no punches

Donovan's comments arrived with the force of a judgement, not mere commentary. "My immediate reaction is if he doesn't want to remain here, we certainly don't want him here," he stated. "I consistently felt that he wasn't entirely invested in this role and lacked genuine passion for the sport in our country."

It's a sharp critique. Donovan isn't just another voice from the sidelines — he experienced firsthand the disappointment of American football falling short of expectations for generations. When he questions Crocker's commitment, those words resonate.

"I'm genuinely pleased to see someone in that role who truly believes in developing the sport here." Regardless of whether this interpretation of Crocker is accurate, the essential concern remains: U.S. Soccer must now locate, appoint, and integrate a replacement sporting director during one of the most turbulent pre-tournament periods conceivable.

It's all about the timing

The 2026 World Cup commences on North American soil in fewer than eight weeks. U.S. Soccer has invested years positioning this tournament as a watershed moment for football's standing in American sporting culture. Sporting directors don't merely manage transfer strategies — they influence squad ideology, personnel dynamics, and tournament readiness. Losing this leadership position at this juncture isn't simply a minor organizational adjustment.

Whether Crocker was truly disinterested or merely accepted a superior opportunity, the perception is problematic. And the USMNT's prospects for a successful tournament run just became significantly more uncertain with a leadership void at the organizational summit.

U.S. Soccer acknowledged the departure in measured corporate terminology. Donovan showed considerably less restraint.