“Difficult decision” – USA withdraws U17 national team from World Cup in Qatar

The American Soccer Federation is withdrawing its U17 national team from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar due to security concerns, according to media reports. As the portal “The Athletic” and the broadcaster ESPN report, the players were informed of the cancellation in a letter on Wednesday.

“We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup preparation camp and our planned participation in the World Cup,” says the letter, quoted by the media.

The U.S. State Department has issued a level three travel advisory for Qatar due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and urged Americans to “reconsider travel to Qatar due to the risk of armed conflict.”

Qatar hosts the World Cup every year

The letter continued: "Given the current circumstances, particularly the US State Department's level three travel advisory for Qatar and associated instructions for embassy staff and their families, we are unfortunately no longer able to participate in the tournament. The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority."

Qatar will host the U17 World Cup annually from 2025 to 2029. The tournament with a total of 48 participating teams begins on November 19th and ends on December 13th with the final. The German U17 national team was unable to qualify for the World Cup.

Recently there has been a stir surrounding the Formula 1 races in the Middle East. Series organizers have considered rescheduling the races in Qatar on November 29 and in Abu Dhabi a week later due to tensions in the region. The idea was to have the races take place in Imola, Italy. But the Formula 1 season finale is now scheduled to take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as planned.