US Withdraws Under-17 Team From World Cup in Qatar Over Safety Concerns

US Soccer withdrew its men's Under-17 national team from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar over safety concerns and told the players on Wednesday, November 11. The decision cancels the team's pre-tournament camp and its place in a tournament that starts on November 19.

In a letter to players that was provided to Reuters, the federation said it was cancelling the camp and the team's participation in light of current circumstances. The letter cited the US State Department Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and related directives for embassy staff and families.

"The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority," the letter said.

The advisory behind the decision

The State Department lists Qatar at Level 3, which means travellers are urged to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict. The department updated the advisory last month. It cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure.

US Soccer said it would notify the players' clubs on Wednesday. It asked players not to comment publicly until FIFA announces the decision. FIFA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment and declined to comment to USA Today.

What the team gives up

The tournament runs from November 19 to December 13 in Doha and has 48 teams. The United States had been placed in Group J and was due to open against Montenegro on November 21, then face Chile and Algeria.

Head coach Alex Aldaz had announced a 21 player roster last week. That roster will now not travel.

Tournament rules state that a team withdrawing within 30 days of the start is subject to a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs, about 24,000 dollars.

Qatar and this tournament

The 2026 tournament is the second edition played in the annual 48 team format. It is also the second of five straight editions hosted by Qatar.

The United States reached the round of 32 at last year's edition, which was also held in Qatar. This year the team will not play at all, after a safety call made eight days before the opening match.

What happens next

The next step named in the letter is an announcement by FIFA. US Soccer asked its players not to comment publicly until FIFA announces the decision, and the federation said it would notify the players' clubs on Wednesday, the same day the players themselves were told the team was out.