US pulls out from U-17 World Cup in Qatar for safety causes

Sports

By Linda Ikeji
12 November 2026, 12:25 pm

The US has withdrawn from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar for safety causes linked to the state of affairs within the Middle East.

In a letter despatched to gamers and seen by information company Reuters, US Soccer stated it made the choice “in light of current circumstances”.

The choice was introduced on Wednesday, November 11, simply eight days earlier than the event is scheduled to start on November 19.

In a letter despatched to gamers and workers, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) confirmed that it had cancelled the workforce’s pre-tournament coaching camp and participation within the competitors, citing a journey advisory issued by the US State Department.

The advisory classifies Qatar underneath Level 3, urging American residents to rethink travelling to the nation due to the chance of armed battle.

“Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances, including the US State Department’s Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament,” the federation stated.

“The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority.”

The choice adopted consultations with the federation’s inside safety workforce and the US State Department amid escalating tensions within the Middle East.

The American workforce had beforehand moved its pre-tournament coaching camp from Qatar to its nationwide coaching centre close to Atlanta as a precaution.

The withdrawal comes regardless of the United States having already introduced its 21-man squad for the competitors, with head coach Alex Aldaz deciding on gamers to symbolize the nation.

The US had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria, with its opening match in opposition to Montenegro scheduled for November 21.

The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup is scheduled to run from November 19 to December 13 in Qatar, that includes 48 international locations.

The United States’ withdrawal may additionally appeal to disciplinary motion from FIFA