USA pull out of Qatar 2026 U-17 World Cup after travel warning

USA have withdrawn from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar because of safety concerns in the region, just days before the tournament is due to begin.

The United States Soccer Federation cancelled the team’s training camp and its participation in the competition after informing players and coaching staff of the decision on Wednesday evening. The federation said the safety of its players and staff remained its highest priority.

“We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup preparation camp and our participation in the tournament,” the federation said in a message to players.

“We are extremely proud of the preparation our players and coaches have undertaken to represent the United States at the World Cup.

“Unfortunately, given the current circumstances, including the US Department of State’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and guidance relating to 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 US Department of State issued its Level 3 travel advisory on 23 October, urging American citizens to “reconsider travel to Qatar due to the risk of armed conflict”.

According to ESPN, the warning was based on security concerns linked to developments in the region, including attacks carried out by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Saudi Arabia.

Reports in the United States said the federation reached its decision after consultations with security officials and the Department of State, while continuing to assess the situation across the region.

As a precaution, the team’s preparation camp had already been moved from Qatar to the National Training Center near Atlanta.

USA were due to face Montenegro

USA announced their 21-player squad for the tournament last week. The competition is scheduled to run from 19 November to 13 December, with 48 teams taking part.

USA were due to open their campaign against Montenegro on 21 November before facing Chile and Algeria in Group G.

The withdrawal comes only days before the start of the tournament. USA also competed at the previous edition, which was held in Qatar, but were eliminated in the last 32.

FIFA decided in 2024 that Qatar would host the FIFA U-17 World Cup annually from 2025 to 2029. The 2026 tournament is therefore the second edition to be staged in the Gulf state.

FIFA has not immediately announced what will happen to USA’s place or whether another team could replace them.

Meanwhile, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is scheduled to visit Qatar on Thursday to inspect preparations for this year’s tournament.

The local organising committee said Infantino would tour the competition complex at Aspire Zone alongside senior officials. The visit is intended to assess the readiness of the stadiums, facilities and venues, as well as the latest operational preparations before the tournament begins.