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U.S. Pulls Under-17 Team From World Cup in Qatar Over Security Concerns

U.S. Soccer withdrew its men's under-17 team from the World Cup in Qatar, citing the State Department's Level 3 travel advisory. FIFA confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday and said its own security assessments had not changed.

By admin Nov. 12, 2026 · 10:47 AM ET 1 min read

A modern soccer stadium in Doha at dusk, with floodlights on, an empty green pitch and the city skyline in the background.

U.S. Soccer has withdrawn its men’s under-17 national team from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar over security concerns, the federation told players on Wednesday. FIFA confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday.

In a letter to players, the federation said it was canceling the team’s pre-tournament camp and its participation “in light of current circumstances,” Reuters reported. The decision cited the State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar, which urges Americans to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict. “The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority,” the letter said.

The advisory was updated last month and cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including on civilian airports and infrastructure, according to Reuters.

FIFA says its security view has not changed

FIFA said it understood the decision, but added that its own security assessments were unchanged and that no new developments had affected security around the tournament. The governing body noted that other sports events had taken place safely in Qatar this year, including a track and field Diamond League meeting, a MotoGP race and qualifying games for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, according to the Associated Press.

A black and white soccer ball resting on green grass beside a white painted line on a pitch, with empty stadium seats blurred behind it.

The 48-team tournament runs from November 19 to December 13 in Doha. The United States had been due to open against Montenegro on November 21, then face Chile and Algeria in Group J. FIFA has not named a replacement team.

Under FIFA tournament rules, the U.S. Soccer Federation faces a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs, about $24,000, for withdrawing fewer than 30 days before the opening game, according to the Associated Press. The United States reached the round of 32 at last year’s edition, also held in Qatar.

Youth soccer players in red and white training kits running drills on a grass field, seen from behind.

Reporting based on coverage by Reuters and the Associated Press.

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