USA withdraws from U-17 World Cup in Qatar over safety concerns
U.S. Soccer cited regional instability and a State Department Level 3 advisory after naming a 21-player roster for the 48-team tournament.
- On Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, U.S. Soccer withdrew the United States U-17 men's team from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing security concerns for the tournament running Nov. 19 to Dec. 13.
- The U.S. State Department currently lists Qatar with a Level 3 travel advisory, urging visitors to "reconsider travel due to risk of armed conflict." Regional instability has also seen two vessels hit in waters off Qatar recently.
- Last week, U.S. head coach Alex Aldaz announced a 21-player roster for the competition, with the team scheduled to open group-stage matches against Montenegro on Nov. 21. Players and their families were informed of the withdrawal on Wednesday.
- Withdrawing within 30 days triggers a minimum fine of 20,000 Swiss francs, or around $24,000, under tournament regulations. The FIFA Council may now decide to replace the United States with another association.
- Recent instability in the Middle East, including attacks on Saudi Arabia and missile strikes near Qatar, has roiled the region. FIFA maintains hosting rights for the annual tournament in Qatar through 2029 despite these ongoing challenges.
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The war in the Middle East began in February with joint attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, which responded with targeted actions, among other goals, against Gulf countries allied with Washington. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have been interrupted by repeated threats from the United States and Israel to resume bombings against Iran. "We wrote to inform you about the difficult decision to cancel our pre-World rally and…
ROME, 11 NOV - The United States announced its withdrawal from the next FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled from 19 November to 13 December, for security reasons related to the war in the Middle East. (ANSA)
The decision would respond to concerns for the safety of footballers in the face of conflicts in the Middle East.
The United States is withdrawing from the U17 World Cup in Qatar due to the security situation in the Middle East. “The well-being of our players and leaders will always be our highest priority,” the U.S. Soccer Federation wrote in a letter to its players.
The U.S. withdraws from FIFA's under-17 men's World Cup in Qatar due to security concerns
Qatar is currently under a U.S. State Department Level 3 Travel Advisory. Among the players on the U.S. team is Union striker Malik Jakupović, who will now be back with the club for the playoffs.
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