USA pull out of U17 World Cup in Qatar over safety concerns
The USA have withdrawn from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, which begins in just over a week, citing the risk of conflict in the region.
A letter sent to players from the US Soccer Federation explaining the decision referred to the US state department’s travel advisory for Qatar.
It issued a level three travel advisory last month, a day after Yemen’s Houthi rebels carried out deadly airstrikes on Riyadh’s international airport, warning Americans not to travel to Qatar due to the “risk of armed conflict” and the “potential [for hostilities] to escalate beyond” areas which had already been attacked.
US Soccer’s letter to players reads: “Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances … we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. The wellbeing of our players and staff will always be our top priority.
“Please accept our deepest appreciation for your commitment to US Soccer and our shared disappointment about these circumstances.”
Fifa’s regulations for U17 World Cups state that nations who qualify must take part or be fined around $24,000 for withdrawing within 30 days of the tournament’s start date.
The USA reached the last 32 in the 2025 edition of the U17 World Cup, the first of five intended to be held annually in Qatar.
It had been set to play Group J games against Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. The tournament begins on 19 November and runs until 13 December.
While the tournament is going ahead several other major sporting events slated to take place in the Middle East have been cancelled or postponed due to the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis and the war between the US, Israel and Iran.
Riyadh’s Six Kings Slam, a lucrative tennis exhibition tournament, has been postponed from October to December; the Dakar Rally, also planned to take place in Saudi Arabia in January, will be moved elsewhere; Golf’s Asian Tour has postponed the Saudi International event; the World Rally Championship will not longer visit Saudi Arabia and the cycling Urban World Championships were cancelled.
F1 is pressing ahead with its season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi but the 2027 Asian Cup, the continental football championship, which had been due to take place in Saudi Arabia in January next year has been postponed by nearly a year.
