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U.S. Withdraws From FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, Citing Safety Concerns
By Megan McCarthy
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U.S. Soccer has withdrawn the United States men’s Under-17 national team from the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing safety concerns tied to the current regional situation and U.S. government travel guidance.
Reuters reported Wednesday, Nov. 11, that U.S. Soccer informed players of the decision in a letter, which Reuters obtained. The federation cancelled the team’s pre-tournament training camp as well as its participation in the World Cup.
The letter said the decision was made “in light of current circumstances” and cited the U.S. State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar, along with related directives involving U.S. embassy staff and their families.
“The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority,” the letter said.
According to Reuters, the State Department updated its advisory for Qatar last month, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict. The advisory cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including attacks involving civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
The 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup is scheduled to run from Nov. 19 through Dec. 13 in Doha, with the U.S. withdrawal coming eight days before the tournament’s start.
The United States had been drawn into a group with Montenegro, Chile and Algeria and was scheduled to open its tournament against Montenegro on Nov. 21, according to Reuters and theScore.
U.S. Soccer said it would notify the players’ clubs Wednesday and instructed players not to comment publicly until FIFA formally announces the decision, Reuters reported.
FIFA had not immediately responded to Reuters’ request for comment and declined to comment to USA Today. The Guardian reported that FIFA was informed of the U.S. decision Wednesday.
The withdrawal could also carry a financial consequence. Under FIFA regulations, qualified nations are required to participate or face a fine. The Guardian reported that a withdrawal within 30 days of the tournament’s start carries a penalty of 20,000 Swiss francs, approximately $24,000.
Head coach Alex Aldaz had named a 21-player roster last week. The withdrawal was first reported by U.S. Soccer Collective and later confirmed by USA Today before any formal announcement from the federation.
The wider security concerns come amid a regional conflict that, according to AFP reporting carried by theScore, began in February with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran subsequently retaliated against Gulf countries allied with Washington.
FIFA has not publicly detailed what procedural steps will follow the United States’ withdrawal or how the team’s place in the 48-team tournament will be handled.
Author Card — Megan McCarthy
Megan McCarthy, known professionally as Hail Meg, covers women’s college basketball, the WNBA and major soccer developments for The Library Media. Her reporting emphasizes documented facts, clear attribution and direct accountability.
— Megan McCarthy | Hail Meg
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