USA Pulls Out of U17 World Cup Over Security Fears in Qatar

The United States has officially decided to skip the upcoming Under-17 World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off in Qatar next week. The decision comes amid growing concerns regarding the risk of armed conflict in the surrounding region. The federation informed its young squad of the move through a private letter, noting that the choice was made after evaluating the current geopolitical climate.

According to media reports, the US Soccer Federation acted on guidance provided by the US Department of State. Last month, officials issued a level three travel advisory for Qatar, urging citizens to reconsider any planned trips. This warning followed a violent strike by Yemen's Houthi movement on an airport in Saudi Arabia, and ongoing aerial attacks continue to plague both Yemen and Saudi territory.

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

US Soccer

The 48-team tournament is set to take place from 19 November to 13 December. The American team had been drawn into a competitive group where they were expected to face Montenegro, Chile, and Algeria. However, the travel warning highlighted that hostilities involving Houthi forces and civilian infrastructure could escalate quickly, potentially spreading beyond the immediate conflict zones.

Safety Over Sport

US Soccer has requested that its players refrain from making public statements until FIFA, the tournament organizers, officially announces the withdrawal. The federation also confirmed it would be reaching out to the various professional clubs where the players are registered to explain the situation.

"In light of current circumstances"

US Soccer

The instability in the region is already having a wider impact on the sporting world. The 2027 Asian Cup, which was slated for early next year in Saudi Arabia, has been pushed back by nearly twelve months. Furthermore, the family of England international Ollie Watkins, who currently plays in the Saudi Pro League, has reportedly returned to the United Kingdom to wait for the situation to stabilize.