The U. S.
Soccer Federation has appointed National Soccer Hall of Fame member Steve Cherundolo as head coach of the Under-23 men's national team for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
The 47-year-old San Diego native takes over a team that automatically qualifies as the host nation.
The multi-venue tournament will conclude with the gold medal match at the Rose Bowl.
Cherundolo previously managed Los Angeles FC from 2022 to 2025, recording 106 wins, 55 losses, and 32 draws.
He led the club to the 2022 MLS Cup and the 2024 U. S.
Open Cup before stepping down after the 2025 season to return to Germany with his family.
“Representing the United States at the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honors in sports, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this team,” Cherundolo said.
As a player, Cherundolo earned 87 caps for the senior national team between 1999 and 2012, playing every minute at right back during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
He also spent 15 seasons with German Bundesliga club Hannover 96.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
U. S.
Soccer Chief Operating Officer Dan Helfrich directed the managerial search following the departure of sporting director Matt Crocker before the World Cup.
Cherundolo will identify and select players to train at the Arthur M. Blank U.
S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia.
“Throughout his career, Steve Cherundolo has been a proven winner, an elite talent developer, and a great ambassador for American soccer,” Helfrich said.
The Under-23 Olympic tournament allows three over-age wild-card players on each 12-team roster, though clubs are not obligated by FIFA to release players.
U. S.
Soccer Vice President of Sporting Oguchi Onyewu, who played alongside Cherundolo in two World Cups, helped facilitate the hiring.
“The 2028 Olympics present a critical platform to develop our next generation of players and further engage our passionate fan base as we pursue an Olympic medal at home,” Onyewu said.
“Steve’s leadership will be instrumental in building an Olympic team that proudly represents U. S.
Soccer.
And he will work closely with both our Senior and Youth National team coaches in growing the game together.”
“Steve’s extensive coaching experience and having gone through the American youth soccer system gives him a unique understanding of American and European style of play that will allow him to maximize and nurture the players’ potential,” Onyewu added.
The American program previously reached the quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Games under Marko Mitrovic, following three consecutive cycles of failing to qualify.
The team is scheduled to utilize upcoming international windows ahead of the Olympic tournament.
