USA pulls out of U-17 World Cup just days before it starts… amid war in the Middle East and ‘risk of armed conflict’
The US Soccer Federation is withdrawing its team from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar amid growing security concern over the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, according to multiple reports.
The American State Department currently has a travel advisory for the country at a Level 3, with guidance telling travelers to ‘reconsider travel to Qatar due to risk of armed conflict.’
Athletes who were set to compete in the tournament – held from November 19 to December 13 – were informed of the decision via an e-mail.
‘We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup pre-camp and our planned participation in the World Cup,’ the letter stated.
‘We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup.
‘Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances including the US State Department’s Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority.’
The United States has told players they will not participate in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar
The US State Department has a Level 3 travel advisory for the country amid ongoing conflicts
The USA won their CONCACAF qualifying group in order to reach the tournament
This announcement comes one week after coach Alex Aldaz announced his roster for the competition. The team was set to take part in a training camp this week at US Soccer’s new headquarters outside Atlanta.
Players were set to open their tournament on November 21 with a match against Montenegro. They were also scheduled to face Chile and Algeria.
The United States earned the right to compete in the tournament by winning their group and outlasting the Dominican Republic on goal difference in CONCACAF U-17 World Cup qualifying.
The Baby Nats drew the Dominicans after beating Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
At last year’s tournament, the Americans reached the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Morocco.
The best finish for the United states at the tournament came in New Zealand in 1999, when they came fourth – losing to Australia on penalties. Landon Donovan was named as the competition’s Best Player.
FIFA made changes to the tournament last year, making it an annual event rather than once every two years. Qatar won the rights to host it from 2025 to 2029.
It is not clear which team will replace the United States at the tournament. The Daily Mail has contacted FIFA for comment on the matter.
