Landon Donovan Slams Matt Crocker's Exit to Saudi Arabia Ahead of 2026 World Cup

"We should be happy that he's gone." Those are the blunt words from USMNT icon Landon Donovan regarding Matt Crocker's decision to step down as U.S. Soccer's sporting director, with less than two months remaining before the United States co-hosts the World Cup.

Crocker is departing for Saudi Arabia, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Fox Sports initially broke the story. He's abandoning one of the most pivotal positions in American football history to join Saudi Arabia's ambitious football initiative — precisely when his leadership is most critical.

Donovan pulls no punches

Donovan's commentary came across as a firm judgment rather than mere opinion. "My initial thought is if he doesn't want to be here, we don't want him here," he stated. "I always got the sense that he wasn't fully committed here and didn't really care about football in this country."

That's a sharp critique. Donovan isn't simply an external observer — he experienced firsthand the disappointment of American football falling short of expectations for decades. When he questions Crocker's commitment, his words carry significant credibility.

"I'm actually happy to get someone in that position who genuinely cares about the growth of football." Regardless of whether Donovan's assessment of Crocker is accurate, his underlying concern is valid: the USSF must now identify, recruit, and integrate a new sporting director during an incredibly turbulent pre-tournament period.

The timing couldn't be worse

The 2026 World Cup begins on North American soil in fewer than two months. The USSF has positioned this tournament as a watershed moment for football's status in American sports culture for years. Sporting directors do far more than manage transfers — they influence squad philosophy, staff dynamics, and tournament readiness. Losing that leadership position at this juncture isn't merely a routine personnel change.

Whether Crocker was truly uncommitted or simply received a lucrative opportunity, the perception is damaging. The USMNT's prospects for a strong tournament run have become more uncertain with a leadership void at the organization's helm.

The USSF acknowledged the departure with standard corporate messaging. Donovan's response was far more direct.