According to the letter obtained by Reuters, the federation has cancelled the team’s pre-tournament training camp in response to what it described as the current circumstances. It has also decided against sending the squad to compete in the tournament.
The federation cited a Level 3 travel advisory issued by the US Department of State for Qatar as a key factor behind its decision. Special instructions issued to staff members of the US Embassy in Qatar and their families were also taken into consideration.
In its letter to players, the US Soccer Federation emphasised that the safety and well-being of its players and officials would always remain its highest priority. The decision reflects the federation’s concerns about the risks associated with travelling to the country amid wider regional tensions.
Players were instructed to inform their respective clubs about the withdrawal on Wednesday. They were also advised not to make public comments on the matter until FIFA had officially confirmed the development.
Reuters approached FIFA for comment, but the world governing body did not immediately respond.
The withdrawal follows an update to the US Department of State’s travel advisory for Qatar last month. Citing the risk of armed conflict, the department urged American citizens to reconsider their travel plans to the country.
The advisory also referred to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi armed group on civilian airports and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Although those incidents took place in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, they formed part of the wider regional security concerns highlighted by Washington.
The developments have raised questions about the potential impact of regional instability on international sporting events. Sending a youth team abroad involves arrangements for players, coaching staff and officials, making security assessments an important part of any international tournament preparation.
The 48-team FIFA Under-17 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 19 November to 13 December. The competition will bring together national teams from different parts of the world, providing young footballers with an opportunity to compete on an international stage.
The United States had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. According to the original fixture schedule, the American side were due to open their campaign against Montenegro on 21 November.
Their withdrawal could affect the group’s composition and the tournament’s scheduling. However, FIFA has not yet provided an official explanation of how the absence of the United States will be addressed or whether another team will be invited to take its place.
The decision is particularly significant given the country’s previous participation in the competition. The United States competed in last year’s Under-17 World Cup, also hosted by Qatar, and progressed beyond the group stage before reaching the round of 32.
FIFA plans to continue staging the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar every year until 2029. The annual competition forms part of the governing body’s wider efforts to provide more regular international opportunities for young players and develop youth football across different regions.
The American federation’s decision has once again brought the issue of security into focus ahead of a major international sporting event. While the tournament is expected to proceed as scheduled, the withdrawal of one of its participating nations presents an unexpected development for FIFA and the organisers.
For the United States, the priority is now the safety of its young players and accompanying officials, rather than participation in the competition.
