Steve Cherundolo appointed to go for Olympic gold
The former LAFC coach takes over the Under-23s with the mission of building a competitive team to pursue an Olympic medal.
The United States has already begun laying the groundwork for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The U.S. Soccer Federation has officially appointed Steve Cherundolo as head coach of the Under-23 men’s national team, a move designed to continue the growth of American soccer and build on the momentum generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former USMNT defender takes over the youth squad with a clear objective: developing a generation capable of competing for Olympic medals on home soil. His experience as both a player and a coach made him the standout choice to lead a project that will begin taking shape during upcoming training camps.
Cherundolo knows exactly what it means to represent the United States. After an outstanding international career, he transitioned into coaching and established himself in MLS, where he won multiple trophies with Los Angeles FC while earning praise for his ability to develop young talent and compete at the highest level in the country. He now hopes to bring that success to the international stage by guiding a group expected to form the backbone of the senior national team in the years ahead.
The federation’s vision extends beyond simply naming a new coach. It reflects a broader strategy to capitalize on the rapid growth of soccer in the United States, fueled by hosting the 2026 World Cup and the increasing number of American players breaking into Europe’s top leagues.
Cherundolo’s biggest challenge will be assembling a competitive squad within a relatively short Olympic cycle, balancing established prospects with emerging talent while instilling a clear identity. The ultimate goal is to field a team capable of making history in front of home fans in Los Angeles.
The appointment of the 47-year-old also represents a strong vote of confidence in one of the country’s most highly regarded young coaches. After proving himself in MLS, Cherundolo now has the opportunity to lead the United States into an Olympic tournament where the ambition is no longer simply to compete—it is to contend for a medal.
Steve Cherundolo, three-time World Cup veteran and MLS Cup-winning coach named head coach of the #U23MNT that will compete at @LA28 🏅
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) July 9, 2026
Welcome, Steve! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/w2xYB2iqRv
Related stories
Have you been saying 'Mbappé' right?
How ties work in World Cup knockouts
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment