US withdraws from U-17 World Cup in Qatar over security concerns

The United States has decided to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled to begin Nov. 19, citing security concerns in the Middle East just over a week before the tournament.

Agence France-Presse reported Thursday that the US Soccer Federation had sent a letter to national team players informing them of the decision to withdraw from the tournament.

"We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our pre-World Cup training camp and withdraw our plans to participate in the World Cup," the letter obtained by AFP said.

The federation expressed pride in the preparations made by its players and coaching staff to represent the country at the tournament.

"However, given the current circumstances, including the US State Department's Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and related guidance issued to embassy personnel and their families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament," the letter said.

"The safety and well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority," it added.

The British newspaper The Guardian also reported the withdrawal, saying a US Soccer spokesperson declined to elaborate on the internal decision-making process. FIFA was reportedly notified of the decision Wednesday.

Security concerns have intensified across the Middle East amid the ongoing war that began with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February. Tensions have risen further following attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia last month.

Several sporting events scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, which shares a border with Qatar, have consequently been canceled or postponed.

The 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, originally scheduled for January and February next year in Riyadh and two other Saudi cities, has been postponed by nearly a year to December 2027.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar is scheduled to run from Nov. 19 to Dec. 13, with 48 countries participating.

South Korea's national team, led by head coach Kim Hyun-jun, has already arrived in the Qatari capital, Doha, to prepare for the tournament.

Drawn into Group B, South Korea will open its campaign against Uganda on Nov. 19 before facing New Caledonia on Nov. 22 and Ecuador on Nov. 25.

South Korea's senior national team, led by Spanish interim coach Robert Moreno, is also in Doha for friendlies against Saudi Arabia on Nov. 13 and Qatar on Nov. 17.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported that the US could face disciplinary action from FIFA for withdrawing from the tournament.

Under FIFA regulations, countries that qualify for the U-17 World Cup are required to participate. A team withdrawing within 30 days of the tournament's opening could face a fine of approximately $24,000.