Steve Cherundolo Named U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Coach

New Leadership for the 2028 Games

Steve Cherundolo has taken charge of the United States men’s under‑23 squad preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The 47‑year‑old was officially appointed on Thursday, bringing a résumé that includes three World Cup appearances as a defender and an MLS Cup triumph as a coach. USSF chief executive Dan Helfrich praised Cherundolo as “a proven winner, an elite talent developer, and a great ambassador for American soccer,” noting the Olympics as a “critical platform” to develop the next generation and chase a home‑soil medal.

Cherundolo’s playing days spanned 15 years with Hannover, where he also served as an assistant, and he later worked under Dave Sarachan on the U.S. staff in 2018. His coaching portfolio includes a stint with the German youth program, a season with the second‑division Las Vegas Lights, and a successful four‑year run at Los Angeles FC that delivered the Supporters’ Shield, the best regular‑season record, and the MLS championship. After guiding LAFC to victory in 2022, he remained with the club through the 2025 campaign before returning to Germany with his family.

In his new Olympic role, Cherundolo will divide his time between the United States and Europe, operating out of the new national training center near Atlanta and conducting camps overseas where many Olympic prospects are tied to club duties. He will collaborate closely with both the youth and senior national‑team coaches as the Games draw near, aiming to forge a squad capable of challenging for a medal on home soil. “Representing the United States at the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honors in sports,” Cherundolo said, adding that he sees “tremendous potential” in the players he will develop.

Olympic Context and Future Outlook

The United States enters the 2028 tournament as the host nation, bypassing the usual qualification route that fields 12 teams. Men’s Olympic soccer limits participants to players aged 23 and younger, with three overage athletes permitted, while the women’s competition has no age restriction. Recent national‑team form has seen the U.S. reach the round of 16 at the World Cup, prompting Mauricio Pochettino to discuss staying on as senior coach beyond that campaign. Should those talks falter, the USSF has indicated a global search for a new senior manager ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

A solid performance in Los Angeles could elevate Cherundolo’s profile for the senior role, positioning him as a leading candidate should the USSF decide to move on from Pochettino. The Olympic squad also includes players who ply their trade in Europe, making overseas scouting camps a key component of his preparation. With the U.S. already boasting a quarterfinal run in 2024—its best since 2000 under New England Revolution coach Marko Mitrovic—Cherundolo’s stewardship arrives at a moment of heightened expectation.

Legacy and Impact

Cherundolo’s induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021 caps a career that blends playing greatness with coaching success. His time in German clubs not only honed his tactical acumen but also built bridges for American talent seeking European exposure. Whether on the field representing the U.S. in 2002, 2006, or 2010, or behind the bench guiding clubs to domestic glory, his commitment to elevating American soccer remains evident. Fans and officials alike will watch closely as he seeks to replicate his club achievements on the Olympic stage, potentially setting the foundation for future World Cup campaigns.