Infantino visits Qatar as country prepares to host FIFA U-17 World Cup after US withdrawal

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has visited Qatar to inspect preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in the country from 19 November to 13 December 2026.

The visit comes after United States Soccer announced that its under-17 team would withdraw from the tournament because of safety concerns and the security situation in the region.

Infantino toured the Aspire Zone stadiums that will host matches during the competition, which will feature 48 national teams. Qatar will stage 104 games across the tournament.

The final is scheduled for 13 December at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

Qatar is set to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup for five consecutive editions, beginning in the previous year and continuing through 2029.

The participating teams have started arriving in the Qatari capital, Doha. The countries already listed as arriving are Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, New Zealand, Honduras, New Caledonia, China, Cameroon, Panama, Costa Rica and South Korea.

Egypt have been drawn in Group A alongside Qatar, Panama and Greece.

The tournament will begin as Qatar prepares to host the first of its five consecutive editions. FIFA president Infantino’s inspection focused on the Aspire Zone venues and the country’s readiness for the expanded competition, which includes 48 teams and culminates with the final at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on 13 December.