Matt Crocker: Why 2026 is a transformational year for US Soccer

As the United States prepares to host the 2026 Men’s World Cup and open a game-changing National Training Center in Georgia, US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker has outlined how the Federation stands on the cusp of its most significant period in decades.

Speaking from his home in Atlanta just weeks before the opening of the landmark facility, Crocker told the TGG Podcast about a vision that blends world-class infrastructure, elite coaching leadership and a push to democratise the game at grassroots.

In an in-depth interview, the Welshman reflected on three years in post, the impact of senior Head Coaches Mauricio Pochettino and Emma Hayes and the systemic changes required to turn the United States into a consistent performer on the global stage.