The U-17 World Cup, which is due to start shortly, will take place without the USA. The US Football Federation has withdrawn its team from the tournament due to security concerns.
US Soccer has withdrawn its Under-17 national team from the World Cup in Qatar, which begins on 19 November, due to security concerns. US Soccer confirmed this to ESPN on Wednesday. The association had previously notified the selected players in writing of the withdrawal.
“Unfortunately, given the current circumstances – including the Level 3 travel advisory issued by the US Department of State for Qatar, as well as the associated instructions for embassy staff and their families – we can no longer take part in the tournament”, reads the letter, from which ESPN quotes: “The well-being of our players and staff is always our top priority.”
World Cup to be held in Qatar until at least 2029
The situation surrounding the Emirate of Qatar remains fragile in the wake of the various conflicts in the region and, above all, since the US attack on Iran.
The U-17 World Cup has been held annually in Qatar since 2025 and will continue to do so until at least 2029; the number of participating teams has been doubled to 48. Germany is not taking part in this year’s tournament, which is due to conclude with the final on 13 December. The DFB’s youth team won the title in 2023.