As uncertainty looms over the U.S. senior coaching position following the World Cup campaign, the under-23 Olympic team has welcomed a new head coach: Steve Cherundolo.
A former three-time World Cup defender and MLS Cup-winning coach, Cherundolo was appointed on Thursday to lead the team as it prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
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“Steve Cherundolo has consistently demonstrated his winning mentality, exceptional talent development skills, and has been a fantastic ambassador for American soccer throughout his career,” said Dan Helfrich, the CEO of USSF. “The 2028 Olympics are a pivotal occasion to nurture our future players and actively engage our dedicated fan base as we aim for an Olympic medal on home soil.”
At 47 years old, Cherundolo will collaborate closely with the coaching staff of both the youth and senior teams as the Olympics approach, Helfrich noted.
While the senior national team includes players of varying ages, the men’s Olympic squad is restricted to players 23 and under, although FIFA allows three overage players in the tournament. (The women’s Olympic soccer tournament has no age restrictions.)
Marko Mitrovic, currently the coach of the New England Revolution, previously led the 2024 team to the quarterfinals in France, marking its best result since reaching the semifinals in 2000.
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As the host nation, the U.S. will automatically qualify for the 12-team tournament.
Steve Cherundolo is set to collaborate with youth and senior team coaches as the Olympics draw closer. (Photo by Scott Wachter/Getty Images)
(Scott Wachter via Getty Images)
Should the team perform well in the Olympics, Cherundolo could position himself as a future candidate for the U.S. senior coaching role.
Mauricio Pochettino is currently in discussions with USSF to continue as the senior national team coach after leading the World Cup squad to the Round of 16. If an agreement isn’t reached, USSF is likely to initiate a worldwide search to prepare for the 2030 competition.
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A native of San Diego and a 2021 inductee into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Cherundolo brings substantial coaching experience. He served as an assistant at Hannover, the German club where he played right back for 15 years, and was also an assistant for Stuttgart, and was part of Dave Sarachan’s staff with the U.S. team in 2018.
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He has also worked within the German youth program and had a stint as head coach for the Las Vegas Lights in the second division. In 2022, he took the reins at Los Angeles FC, leading the team to secure the Supporters’ Shield as the best regular season squad and also to the MLS championship.
After stepping down in 2025 to return to Germany with his family, Cherundolo will now split his time between the U.S. and Europe, working at the new national training facility near Atlanta as well as hosting camps abroad where potential Olympic candidates are currently playing.
“Representing the United States at the Olympic Games is one of the highest honors in sports, and I am thankful for the chance to lead this team,” Cherundolo expressed. “I believe we have an exciting roster of players with immense potential, and I am eager to foster an environment that encourages growth and camaraderie as they represent our country with pride.”