US Soccer Withdraws U-17 Team from World Cup Due to Safety Concerns
US Soccer announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of its Under-17 men’s team from the U-17 World Cup in Qatar, just eight days before the tournament’s kickoff. The federation informed players and their families that it made this decision based on a recent State Department travel warning and ongoing risks of armed conflict in the region.
In a letter obtained by ESPN, officials described the move as a “difficult decision,” canceling both the team’s pre-tournament camp and its participation in the tournament. They cited the State Department’s Level 3 advisory for Qatar, which provides guidance for embassy staff and their families. According to the letter, the safety and well-being of players and staff “will always be our top priority.”
The Level 3 advisory, which indicates that travelers should “reconsider travel,” was issued on October 23 due to the potential for armed conflict. It specifically mentioned attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces on civilian targets, including airports and infrastructure in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Travelers are advised to prepare for potential emergencies and to have plans for evacuation.
This is not the first time US Soccer has opted against involvement in Qatar. Reports from USA TODAY highlight that Qatar faced missile and drone attacks from Iran earlier this year, following escalating tensions related to US and Israeli actions against Iran in February. Two vessels experienced attacks off the coast of Qatar in the past two weeks.
The federation previously withdrew a men’s national team camp planned for Doha in January 2020, following the US’s killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, relocating it to Florida with limited notice. However, the current situation involves the stakes of a World Cup rather than just a training camp.
The US team’s planned participation had them placed in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile, and Algeria, with an opening match scheduled against Montenegro on November 21. Head coach Alex Aldaz had finalized a 21-player roster just last week, with FIFA publishing all squad lists shortly before the announcement of the withdrawal. The tournament is set to run from November 19 to December 13 in Doha.
Withdrawing within 30 days of the tournament’s start incurs a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs (about $24,000), and FIFA may replace the US team with another country. The Guardian has noted the possibility of further disciplinary actions because qualified teams are expected to participate. FIFA has not yet commented, nor is there indication of other countries considering a similar withdrawal. Players have been instructed to refrain from public comments until FIFA provides a response.
While prioritizing player safety is commendable, the issue of participating in future tournaments in Qatar remains unresolved, especially given this World Cup marks only the second of five consecutive editions assigned to the country. Last year, the US team eliminated in the round of 32, and this time, they will not get the opportunity to compete at all.
