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The United States has withdrawn its national team from the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing security concerns amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
US Soccer, the governing body of football in the United States, informed players of the decision on Wednesday, November 11, in a letter announcing the cancellation of the team’s pre-tournament training camp and its participation in the competition.
The federation said the decision was taken in light of the current circumstances, including the US State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and related security directives for embassy staff and their families.
“The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority,” the federation said in the letter.
The Level 3 advisory urges American citizens to reconsider travelling to Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict.
The advisory was updated last month following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on neighbouring Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
The withdrawal comes just over a week before the 48-team tournament is scheduled to begin on November 19. The competition will continue until December 13.
The United States had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. The team was scheduled to begin its campaign against Montenegro on November 21.
US Soccer said it would notify the players’ respective clubs about the decision and asked the players not to make public comments until FIFA formally announces the development.
FIFA did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. However, it said it had been informed of the US decision and that its security assessments for the tournament remained unchanged, according to Reuters.
The withdrawal adds to a series of disruptions affecting international sporting events in the Middle East amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Several competitions in the region have already been cancelled, postponed or relocated because of security concerns.
Qatar is hosting the men’s Under-17 World Cup annually from 2025 to 2029, following FIFA’s decision to establish the tournament as an annual competition.
The previous edition was also held in Qatar, where the United States reached the round of 32.
