LAGOS NOVEMBER 12TH (NEWSRANGERS)-U.S. Soccer has pulled its youth national team out of the upcoming Qatar-based FIFA men’s Under-17 World Cup over safety concerns, the federation confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for the Middle East country on Oct. 23, warning Americans to “reconsider travel to Qatar due to risk of armed conflict.” The advisory cited attacks in neighboring Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
U.S. Soccer informed the players of the decision to withdraw from the tournament on Wednesday, in a letter that was obtained by ESPN.
“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,” it said. “We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup.
“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.”
The 48-team tournament is set to kick off Nov. 19 and will conclude with the final on Dec. 13.
U.S. U17 head coach Alex Aldaz named a 21-player roster for the tournament last week. The U.S. was scheduled to open its tournament against Montenegro on Nov. 21 before taking on Chile and Algeria in the group stage.
In last year’s edition of the tournament, which was also held in Qatar, the U.S. was eliminated in the round of 32.
FIFA announced in 2024 that Qatar would host the U17 men’s World Cup “on an annual basis between 2025 and 2029.”
ESPN
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