U.S. Soccer has pulled its under-17 men’s national team from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, citing safety concerns and a State Department warning about possible armed conflict.
In a letter to players, the federation said it had canceled both the team’s pre-tournament camp and its participation in the competition. It pointed to the government’s Level 3 travel advisory and instructions affecting U.S. embassy staff and their families.
“The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority,” the letter said.
The decision comes just eight days before the tournament is due to begin on Nov. 19. FIFA has scheduled the competition to run through Dec. 13.
Issued Oct. 23, the State Department advisory urges Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict. U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel there.
The advisory refers to attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces on civilian airports and other infrastructure in neighboring Saudi Arabia, warning that hostilities could spread quickly beyond the immediate area. It also cites risks to civilian flights linked to regional political and military tensions.
Americans who do travel to Qatar are advised to be ready to shelter in place and to make an emergency departure plan that does not rely on help from the U.S. government.
A missile struck Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base in March, according to Qatari officials, who reported no injuries. On Oct. 23, nonemergency U.S. government employees and their families were also ordered to leave Saudi Arabia over safety concerns.
For the American players, the withdrawal ends their World Cup hopes less than a week after head coach Alex Aldaz named his 21-player roster on Nov. 6.
The team had been set to open Group J play against Montenegro on Nov. 21, meet Chile on Nov. 24 and face Algeria on Nov. 27.
The roster included Philadelphia Union forward Malik Jakupovic, who scored eight goals in qualifying, as well as players affiliated with European clubs including AC Milan, Ajax and PSV.
The United States qualified in February after finishing first in its group in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It beat the hosts 8-0 and St. Kitts and Nevis 10-0, then secured a place in the tournament with a 1-1 draw against the Dominican Republic. Nine players from that qualifying squad made the World Cup roster.
This is the second edition of the tournament under its expanded annual format, which features 48 teams. It is also the second of five consecutive editions set to be held in Qatar.
FIFA released the official squad lists Wednesday. The tournament is scheduled to feature 104 matches, with the final set for Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
