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Former United States Men's National Team defender and Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo is set to return to U.S. Soccer as he takes charge of the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The U.S. will feature in the Olympic football tournament for only the third time in two decades, having missed qualification in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

U.S. Soccer confirmed Cherundolo’s appointment on Thursday, just three days after the USMNT’s exit from the 2026 World Cup held on home soil. The federation’s decision brings in a U-23 coach with deep USMNT roots and strong managerial credentials.

During his playing career, Cherundolo earned 87 caps for the USMNT between 1999 and 2012, appearing in three World Cups. He also spent 15 seasons with Hannover 96 in Germany, making him the longest-serving American in Bundesliga history. Recognised for his contributions, he was named to the USMNT’s All-Time Best XI in 2013 and is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

After retiring from professional football, Cherundolo transitioned into coaching. Holding a UEFA Pro License, he began working with youth teams in Germany before managing USL side Las Vegas Lights in 2021. In 2022, he took over at LAFC, guiding the club to both the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield in his debut season. He added the U.S. Open Cup in 2024 before stepping down in 2025.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge, Cherundolo said, “Representing the United States at the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honours in sports, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this team. I believe we have an exciting group of players with tremendous potential, and I’m looking forward to building an environment where they can challenge themselves, grow together, and represent our country with pride. Our responsibility is to compete with courage, humility, and a clear identity, one that reflects the values of U.S. Soccer and gives our supporters a team they can be proud of.”

With the sporting director position still vacant, U.S. Soccer’s Vice President of Sporting, Oguchi Onyewu, played a key role in Cherundolo’s appointment. The search for a new sporting director, which began following Matt Crocker’s departure in April, is still ongoing.

Onyewu commented, “Steve’s extensive coaching experience and having gone through the American youth soccer system gives him a unique understanding of American and European styles of play that will allow him to maximise and nurture the players’ potential. Having played alongside Steve in two World Cups, I have seen firsthand the impact he can have on the group. We are confident he is the right coach to lead this team into the 2028 Summer Olympics.”

The U.S. U-23 side has already held two training camps this year, recording wins over Japan and South Korea in March. In June, they defeated Ukraine but were edged out by Uzbekistan. The latest squad featured European-based talents such as Damion Downs, Cole Campbell, and Rokas Pukstas, alongside MLS players Peyton Miller, Reed Baker-Whiting, and Taha Habroune.

Prior to Cherundolo’s appointment, the U.S. U-23s were managed by Marko Mitrovic, who has since become the head coach of the New England Revolution.

Looking ahead, Cherundolo will focus on developing the U-23 programme with an eye on the 2028 Olympic Games. The team will be based at the new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Centre in Georgia and will play a series of international friendlies as part of their preparation.

Following the World Cup’s conclusion, the next official international window is scheduled from September 21 to October 6.