The United States Soccer Federation has appointed Steve Cherundolo as the new head coach of the United States Under-23 men's national team, entrusting the former USMNT captain with leading the country's preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The announcement marks one of the federation's most significant coaching appointments since the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as attention begins to shift towards building a squad capable of challenging for an Olympic medal on home soil.

Cherundolo, who earned widespread praise during his spell as LAFC head coach and previously enjoyed an outstanding international playing career with the United States, now returns to the national team setup in a role focused on developing the country's next generation of elite talent. His appointment is viewed as a major step in U.S. Soccer's long-term strategy ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest sporting events in American history.

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A Familiar Face Returns to Lead the Next Generation

Steve Cherundolo's connection with American football runs deep.

As a player, he represented the United States 87 times, featured in three FIFA World Cups, and spent his entire club career with Hannover 96 in Germany, earning widespread respect for his consistency, professionalism and leadership. Those experiences have shaped the coach he has become today.

Since moving into management, Cherundolo has continued to build an impressive reputation. His successful spell with Los Angeles FC, highlighted by an MLS Cup triumph in 2022, demonstrated his ability to organise teams, develop young players and compete for major honours. Those achievements made him one of the strongest candidates to guide the United States into the Olympic cycle.

For U.S. Soccer, the appointment is about much more than selecting a coach. It is about finding a leader capable of shaping a new generation of players who could eventually progress into the senior national team.

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Why This Appointment Matters

The Olympic men's football tournament occupies a unique place in the international calendar.

Unlike the FIFA World Cup, Olympic squads are primarily made up of under-23 players, with each nation permitted to include a limited number of over-age players. That makes the competition one of the most important development stages for emerging international talent.

For the United States, the stakes are even higher.

The 2028 Games will take place in Los Angeles, giving American football an opportunity to perform on one of the biggest sporting stages in front of home supporters. After the momentum generated by hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. Soccer sees the Olympics as another chance to accelerate the growth of the game across the country.

Cherundolo's appointment therefore represents more than simply filling a coaching vacancy—it signals the beginning of a new Olympic project with the expectation of competing for medals.

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Building Towards Los Angeles 2028

Although the Olympic Games remain two years away, planning has already begun.

Cherundolo's immediate responsibilities will include identifying the most promising American players born within the Olympic eligibility window, working alongside clubs to monitor their development, and establishing a clear tactical identity for the U-23 programme. He will also eventually help determine which three over-age players could provide additional experience during the tournament.

That long-term preparation is essential.

Successful Olympic teams are rarely assembled a few months before the tournament begins. Instead, they are built through years of scouting, player development and tactical continuity.

By appointing Cherundolo early in the cycle, U.S. Soccer is aiming to maximise those advantages.

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A New Chapter for U.S. Soccer

The appointment also comes during a period of reflection for American football following the disappointment of the senior men's national team's World Cup exit. While the futures of senior-team figures remain under discussion, the federation has wasted little time putting plans in place for the next major international objective.

Rather than focusing solely on immediate results, U.S. Soccer appears determined to strengthen its development pathway by placing one of the country's most respected football figures in charge of its Olympic programme.

That decision could have a lasting impact far beyond Los Angeles 2028.