US Withdraws From U-17 World Cup in Qatar
The United States has withdrawn from the U-17 World Cup in Qatar over security fears, just eight days before the tournament was due to start. The decision, taken on Wednesday, November 11, leaves the 48-team event without one of its sides and raises fresh questions about how the war in the Middle East is disrupting international sport.
US Soccer informed players and their families of the decision on Wednesday, in a letter that said the federation had cancelled both its pre-tournament camp and its planned participation in the World Cup. The tournament is set to run from November 19 to December 13 in Doha.
The federation pointed to the US State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar, which urges Americans to reconsider travel to the country “due to risk of armed conflict”, and to related directives for embassy staff and families. “The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority,” the letter said.
U-17 World Cup in Qatar: why the US pulled out
The war in the Middle East began in February with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which retaliated by targeting, among others, Gulf countries allied with Washington. Qatar has been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones this year, and the US State Department’s advisory for the country reflects that risk.
US Soccer had already shifted its pre-tournament camp from Qatar to its training centre near Atlanta. Coach Alex Aldaz had named a 21-player roster for the tournament. One person familiar with the decision put it plainly: sending 16- and 17-year-olds to the tournament in the current situation “was not tenable”. The federation said the decision had been taken after consultations with its internal security staff and the State Department.
The news was first reported by US Soccer Collective, and a person close to the situation confirmed it to USA Today Sports. US Soccer did not immediately announce the withdrawal formally, and it did not respond to requests for comment from AFP. FIFA, which published official squad lists for all 48 teams on Wednesday that still included the United States, declined to comment.
What the withdrawal costs
The Americans were drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria, and were scheduled to begin their campaign against Montenegro on November 21. Their place in the group is now uncertain. FIFA has not said whether another team will take the slot or whether the group will simply play on with three teams.
The late withdrawal could also cost US Soccer money. FIFA’s regulations state that a team which withdraws within 30 days of the start of a tournament faces a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs, around $24,000.
The tournament is the second edition of the U-17 World Cup’s new annual, 48-team format and the second of five straight editions hosted by Qatar. The 2026 event is still due to get under way in Doha on November 19, with 48 teams taking part, and there has been no sign so far that other countries will follow the United States out.
A wider disruption to sport
The withdrawal is part of a wider pattern. The conflict has already disrupted several events in the region, with the 2027 Asian Cup postponed by nearly a year and Formula One’s Jeddah race cancelled. Sport has not been insulated from the war.
For Pakistan, the story carries a direct echo. Pakistan’s own under-17 team has been playing in the AFC U-17 qualifiers, and Feature Pakistan reported that Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 3-1 in the AFC U-17 qualifiers this month. Pakistan also named its U-17 squad for the qualifiers in Laos. The AFC event is a separate competition from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, but it shows that youth football is active across the region even as the senior calendar is disrupted.
The wider security picture is also one Feature Pakistan has followed closely. Iran has threatened US bases in Europe if it is attacked again, and American envoys are due to meet Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky this week in separate talks on the Ukraine war. The region’s conflicts are now shaping decisions far beyond the battlefield.
What happens next
FIFA must now decide what to do with Group J. The tournament starts on November 19, and the United States was due to play Montenegro on November 21. Whether the group plays with three teams or a replacement is called up will be confirmed in the coming days. The other 47 teams are expected to travel as planned, and Qatar has given no sign that the event itself is in doubt.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the US withdraw from the U-17 World Cup?
US Soccer cited safety concerns for players and staff, pointing to the State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar, which urges Americans to reconsider travel “due to risk of armed conflict” after Iranian missile and drone attacks on the country.
When does the U-17 World Cup start?
The tournament runs from November 19 to December 13 in Doha, Qatar. It is the second edition of the new annual, 48-team format and the second of five straight editions hosted by Qatar.
Who were the US due to play?
The United States were drawn in Group J with Montenegro, Chile and Algeria, and were scheduled to open against Montenegro on November 21.
What fine could US Soccer face?
FIFA rules state that a team withdrawing within 30 days of a tournament’s start faces a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs, around $24,000.
Has any other team withdrawn?
No. There has been no indication so far that other countries will follow the United States out of the tournament.
