Steve Cherundolo is set to return to the United States and take over head coaching duties for the under-23 men’s national team that will compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Cherundolo, 47, departed as head coach of Los Angeles FC in 2025 citing a desire to return to Germany where he met his wife and played 15 seasons in the German Bundesliga for Hannover 96. He is now set to return after less than a year abroad.
“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 in a release. “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.
In his playing days, Cherundolo also made 87 appearances for the United States men’s national team between 1999 and 2012 and participated in two World Cups. He made his World Cup debut during the 2006 tournament in Germany then played in all four games for the US in the 2010 event at South Africa.
He started coaching in 2015 while still in Germany, was named head coach of the Las Vegas Lights of the USL Championship in 2021. He took over at LAFC in 2022, guiding the club to a 106-55-32 record in three seasons.
LAFC won the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in 2022 before winning the U.S. Open Cup in 2024.
“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,” US Soccer COO Dan Helfrich 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.”
The Olympic tournament consists of 16 teams primarily of players under 23 years old, with three players of no age restriction allowed on each roster.
–Field Level Media
