US withdraws from U17 World Cup in Qatar over security fears

The United States has withdrawn its under-17 men’s national team from the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar due to security concerns, an official statement confirmed.

Players and families were informed on Wednesday, just over a week before the 48-team tournament is scheduled to begin on November 19 and run through December 13.

Matches are primarily set for the Aspire Zone complex in Doha, with the final at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

The US team, coached by Alex Aldaz, had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria, with its opening match against Montenegro planned for November 21.

A 21-player roster was named the previous week.

In a letter to players obtained by ESPN, US Soccer stated: “We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup pre-camp and our planned participation in the World Cup. We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup.”

It continued: “Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances including the US State Department’s Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority.”

A person close to the decision told Yahoo Sports that “Sending 16- and 17-year-olds [to the tournament] given that situation was not tenable,” adding that “The well-being of the players and staff is always going to be at the centerpiece of any decision.”

As a precaution, the federation had already shifted the pre-tournament camp from Qatar to its national training center near Atlanta.

The US State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar on October 23, advising Americans to “reconsider travel due to risk of armed conflict.”

Regional instability has followed US and ‘Israeli’ strikes earlier in the year, with reports of attacks affecting Gulf countries including Qatar and recent incidents involving vessels in nearby waters.

The Under-17 World Cup shifted to an annual format with 48 teams, and Qatar is hosting consecutive editions through 2029.

FIFA published official squad lists that still included the United States on Wednesday and declined to comment.
Tournament regulations provide for a minimum fine of 20,000 Swiss francs for a withdrawal within 30 days of the start.
There has been no immediate indication that other participating nations plan to follow the US lead.

The withdrawal ends the Americans’ plans for a sixth consecutive appearance at the competition.