SouthernWorldwide.com – U.S. Soccer has appointed Steve Cherundolo as the head coach for the U-23 Olympic team, signaling a strategic focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
This appointment is crucial as the team prepares to compete in the upcoming Olympics, a tournament that holds significant importance for the development of the full U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT).
With many key players from the current USMNT expected to be past their prime by the 2026 World Cup cycle, a substantial roster turnover is inevitable.
The 2028 Olympic team is envisioned as a vital pipeline to fill these emerging gaps in the senior squad, featuring the nation’s most promising young talents in a major FIFA youth competition.
The U.S. is not alone in recognizing the value of the Olympics; recent World Cup performances by top nations highlight the benefits derived from this tournament.
For instance, France’s current World Cup squad includes seven players who participated in the 2024 Olympics. Similarly, Spain’s World Cup team features six players from their 2024 Olympic roster, excluding Fermín López due to injury.
Morocco also saw six players successfully transition from the 2024 Olympics to their 2026 World Cup team, though Abde Ezzalzouli withdrew from the World Cup squad after initial selection.
U.S. Soccer appears to fully grasp this strategic advantage.
“There’s a lot of data that suggests that success in youth World Cups and in Olympic cycles on the men’s side creates accelerated player development and creates the conditions for success in subsequent World Cups,” stated U.S. Soccer COO Dan Helfrich in May.
He further elaborated on the federation’s commitment: “You will see us strategically investing more attention and resources and focus on the youth national team games program, on elevating the men’s Olympic team to prepare us to be in the best competitive position.”
Helfrich believes these efforts will play a significant role in the team’s competitive preparation for future World Cups and other major tournaments.
Steve Cherundolo brings a highly commendable resume to the U-23 Olympic coaching position.
As a player, he was a pivotal figure for both Hannover 96 in Germany and the U.S. national team, earning 87 caps and delivering standout performances, particularly at the 2010 World Cup, where he became a fan favorite.
His coaching journey began at the youth levels for Hannover, followed by an assistant role with Germany’s U-15 national team.
He then returned to the United States to manage Los Angeles FC from 2022 to 2025, achieving significant success by winning the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield in 2022, and the U.S. Open Cup in 2024.
In 2025, Cherundolo guided LAFC to a notable victory over Club America, securing qualification for the Club World Cup.
Cherundolo’s LAFC teams were characterized by a well-balanced approach, incorporating high pressing, robust defensive organization, and rapid transitions, often spearheaded by elite MLS wingers like Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela.
In possession, Cherundolo demonstrated pragmatism and flexibility, frequently deploying either a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3 formation, adapting based on the opponent or game situation.
This tactical adaptability is expected to be a valuable asset for the U.S. U-23 team, given the current uncertainty surrounding the specific strengths of the roster.
The article then highlights several promising young American players who could be key figures for the Olympic team:
1. Cade Cowell: The explosive winger/wing-back for Real Salt Lake is considered arguably the top teenage prospect in the American system and was reportedly close to making the 2026 World Cup squad.
2. Benjamin Cremaschi: The former Inter Miami homegrown midfielder is now fully with Parma and was the Golden Boot winner at the 2025 U-20 World Cup.
3. Gianluca Busio: The San Jose Earthquakes attacking midfielder was performing at a high level this season before an injury. He has the potential to be a driving force in the Olympic team’s attack.
4. Kevin Paredes: The New England Revolution left wing/left back is another top teenage talent in MLS and a very capable wide player.
5. Gaga Slonina: The Barcelona backup goalkeeper is likely to be the Olympic starter, and many hope he will eventually become a fixture for the full national team. He is currently on loan at Lyngby in Denmark.
6. Keyrol Figueroa: The 18-year-old New York Red Bulls forward has already scored 12 goals in 2026 and could be the best U-23 center forward available.
7. Jack McGlynn: The 17-year-old midfielder has been instrumental in the youth movement at the New York Red Bulls, where he is a regular starter demonstrating exceptional maturity for his age.
8. Weston McKennie: The former Louisville SC and current Benfica central defender has been a consistent presence in U.S. youth teams for years. While he needs more first-team minutes, he remains the top option at his position.
The Olympics is a U-23 tournament, but teams are permitted to include three overage players, often used to add experienced difference-makers.
A potential challenge for this team is the overlap with the Copa América, which the full national team may be participating in.
Ideally, the Olympic squad would benefit from an overage central defender, a defensive midfielder, and an attacker.
The final decision on player participation will likely depend on the priorities of the federation and individual players, as it is improbable for a player to feature in both tournaments.
Beyond the on-field developmental benefits, the Olympics hold immense popularity with the American public.
Hosting the tournament on home soil presents another valuable opportunity to connect with and endear the team to the nation.
The Olympics offer more than just player development; they provide a chance to capture the public’s imagination, much like the Copa América, but with a deeper, long-standing connection to American sports culture.
Securing an Olympic medal would resonate deeply with fans, something the men’s program has historically struggled to achieve consistently.
The prospect of playing at the Rose Bowl with an Olympic medal on the line represents a potentially historic and cherished moment for the program.
