Former USA interim boss Anthony Hudson joins Qatar side Al-Markhiya on a two-year deal

Former USA interim coach Anthony Hudson has joined Qatari side Al-Markhiya on a two-year contract, the club announced Tuesday.

Hudson took over the US men’s national team on a temporary basis in January and oversaw five games, leading the team to two wins and two draws in that span.

In announcing his departure last week, US Soccer said Hudson was leaving his post to pursue another job, though the federation did not get into specifics.

Hudson was replaced in his interim role by former strategy analyst B.J. Callaghan.

While Hudson spent less than five months in the role, he’ll be remembered by USA fans for his role in getting striker Folarin Balogun to commit to the national team.

Former interim boss Anthony Hudson has moved on after taking over from Gregg Berhalter

Hudson helped get Folarin Balogun’s commitment to the USA national team over the line

41-year-old B.J. Callaghan is now the interim head coach of the USA men’s national team

Balogun committed to the USA last month – over England and Nigeria – while Hudson was still in charge, and met with the coach in March when the team was in Florida. 

The Qatar Stars League, which Al-Markhiya finished seventh out of 12 teams in last season, will begin its 2023-24 season on August 17.

Hudson departed the USMNT before the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup, which will both begin this month.

This is not the first time Hudson has coached in the Middle East.

The 42-year-old previously coached the Bahrain senior national team and U23s.

He also coached New Zealand before moving on to a stint with the Colorado Rapids.