Sam Zapatka Biography – Sam Zapatka Wiki
Sam Zapatka is the manager of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team, having joined the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2015 and taking on his current role in 2020. Before his time with U.S. Soccer, he managed USA Volleyball.
Zapatka’s educational journey began at the International School of Bangkok, where he graduated in 2010. He then pursued a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management at Springfield College, completing it in 2013. Additionally, he is certified as a Disability Sport Specialist (CDSS) by BlazeSports America.
FIFA Suspension
During the World Cup, both Sam Zapatka and Frank Pannell, vice president of security for the U.S. Soccer Federation, faced suspensions by FIFA for the team’s crucial round-of-16 match against Belgium on July 7, 2026. ESPN reported that the suspension was tied to violations concerning FIFA’s match protocols during a prior game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, specifically involving unauthorized access to restricted areas. Notably, no physical confrontations occurred during these incidents.
Front Office Sports speculated that the suspensions might have been due to striker Folarin Balogun re-entering the field to celebrate the U.S. team’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, after he had been sent off with a red card earlier in the match. It is against the rules for players who have received a red card to return to the pitch after being dismissed.
While the U.S. Soccer Federation refrained from detailing the reasons behind the suspensions, they clarified that it was unrelated to their efforts in overturning Balogun’s one-game suspension. Ultimately, the U.S. team’s journey ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, resulting in their elimination from the World Cup.