U.S. Soccer has withdrawn its under-17 team from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, citing safety concerns linked to the conflict involving Iran. In a letter to players, the federation said it shared their disappointment and praised the squad and coaching staff for their preparation.
The letter said U.S. Soccer had canceled both the team’s pre-tournament camp and its participation in the competition. It pointed to the State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar, as well as related instructions for U.S. Embassy staff and their families. The federation said the safety of players and staff remained its first priority.
The decision became public Wednesday, just eight days before the tournament was scheduled to begin on Nov. 19. Players were asked not to discuss the withdrawal publicly until FIFA announced it. Their clubs were also due to receive formal notice.
The State Department advisory, issued Oct. 23, urges Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar because of the possibility of armed conflict. U.S. government employees need special approval to travel there.
The advisory cites attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces on civilian airports and other infrastructure in neighboring Saudi Arabia, warning that regional hostilities could spread quickly. It also highlights potential risks to civilian aviation and advises Americans in Qatar to be ready to shelter in place and make departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Earlier this year, an Iranian missile struck Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base, though Qatari officials said no one was injured. On Oct. 23, nonemergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave Saudi Arabia because of safety concerns.
The withdrawal ends the U.S. players’ chance to compete at the World Cup less than a week after head coach Alex Aldaz named his 21-player squad on Nov. 6.
The Americans had been set to open against Montenegro on Nov. 21, then play Chile on Nov. 24 and Algeria on Nov. 27 in Group J.
The roster featured Philadelphia Union forward Malik Jakupovic, who scored eight goals in qualifying, alongside players connected to European clubs including AC Milan, Ajax and PSV.
The United States qualified in February after topping its group in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It beat the host nation 8-0 and St. Kitts and Nevis 10-0, then secured its place with a 1-1 draw against the Dominican Republic. Nine players from the qualifying squad made the final roster.
This is the second edition of the tournament under its expanded annual format, which includes 48 teams. It is also the second of five consecutive tournaments awarded to Qatar. FIFA released the official squad lists Wednesday; the event was scheduled to feature 104 matches, with the final at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
