Overview
- U.S. Soccer announced the hire on Thursday, July 9, 2026, appointing Cherundolo to lead the men’s U‑23 program through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Cherundolo will oversee talent identification, run camps at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Georgia, and organize international friendlies while splitting time between the U.S. and Europe to work with club‑based prospects.
- The federation framed the move as a development mandate, saying Cherundolo will coordinate closely with youth and senior coaches to prepare players born on or after Jan. 1, 2005 for the tournament that allows three overage players.
- Cherundolo brings major credentials as a 47‑year‑old with 87 USMNT caps, three World Cups, a National Soccer Hall of Fame induction, and a successful MLS coaching record with LAFC that includes an MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup.
- The hire comes while USSF still has a vacant sporting director post and an uncertain senior coaching situation, which media say could make Cherundolo a potential future candidate for senior national‑team duties and will shape staff coordination and player call‑ups.