U.S. Soccer chief executive J.T. Batson and chief operating officer Dan Helfrich outlined a broad, long‑term vision for the federation in the wake of the recent World Cup, emphasizing continuity and strategic growth rather than short‑term fixes.
The USSF released the skeletal framework of that plan on Thursday, revealing that several senior positions remain vacant. Among them are the sporting director post, left empty when Matt Crocker departed in April, and the head‑coach role for the USMNT, for which the federation is in active dialogue with Mauricio Pochettino but has yet to set a decision timeline.
Dialogue with Pochettino
Pochettino, who has been discussed as a potential successor, remains in conversation with the federation. Both parties acknowledge the complexity of the appointment and stress that no rush is being imposed as they evaluate fit and strategy.
A Lesson from Spain
Spain’s recent success on the international stage is widely credited to its emphasis on youth development, where technical mastery and tactical awareness are cultivated from an early age. Luis de la Fuente, who has been with the Spanish federation since 2013 and guided U19 and U21 squads to European titles, exemplifies the country’s structured approach.
Aiming at 2028
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, U.S. Soccer hopes the under‑23 tournament will serve as a catalyst for expanding its fan base and translating grassroots progress into senior‑team performance. The federation sees the Games as a platform to showcase a more technically refined style of play that mirrors the developmental model observed in Spain.
By integrating these insights and completing the pending leadership roles, U.S. Soccer aims to build a sustainable pipeline that not only competes more effectively on the world stage but also deepens engagement with a growing domestic audience.