US withdraw from Under-17 World Cup in Qatar over security concerns

The United States will not take part in the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar after the United States Soccer Federation decided to withdraw the team because of safety concerns and the security situation in the region.

The federation confirmed the decision to ESPN after the US State Department issued a level-three travel warning for Qatar on 23 October. The warning advised American citizens to reconsider travelling to the country because of the risk of armed conflict.

Players were informed of the withdrawal in a letter obtained by ESPN. It said: “We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup camp and our scheduled participation in the tournament.”

The letter added: “Unfortunately, given the current circumstances, including the US State Department’s level-three travel advisory for Qatar and guidance concerning embassy personnel and their families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. The safety of our players and staff will always remain our top priority.”

The decision comes one week before the tournament is due to begin. The competition will feature 48 teams and is scheduled to start on 19 November, with the final to be played on 13 December.

United States Under-17 manager Alex Aldaz announced a 21-player squad for the tournament last week. The team had been due to open its campaign against Montenegro on 21 November before facing Chile and Algeria in the group stage.

Egypt are in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Panama and Greece. The Egypt Under-17 team is managed by Hussein Abdel Latif and qualified for the World Cup after finishing third at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Egypt’s Group A fixtures are:

– Egypt v Greece – 4pm – Qatar v Egypt – 5pm – Panama v Egypt – 4:30pm