FIFA confirmed on Thursday that the United States Soccer Federation has withdrawn its Under-17 men’s national team from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing security concerns and a U.S. State Department Level 3 travel advisory for the region.
The decision was announced eight days before the tournament’s scheduled kickoff on November 19, with the U.S. team’s first match against Montenegro originally set for November 21. The withdrawal follows a letter sent to players and staff by U.S. Soccer, which stated that the well-being of participants was the federation’s top priority.
FIFA stated in a release that the U.S. withdrawal was made in light of the existing U.S. Level 3 travel advisory, which warns of risks associated with armed conflict in the Middle East. The advisory, issued on October 23, urges Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar due to the potential for rapid escalation of hostilities. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to Qatar, and nonemergency personnel and families were ordered out of Saudi Arabia on the same day.
Regional tensions and security risks
The Gulf region has been on high alert since February, when the U.S. military launched attacks on Iran. The State Department advisory highlights risks from Iranian-backed Houthi forces, which have conducted attacks on civilian airports and infrastructure in neighboring countries. It also warns of potential threats to civilian aviation amid ongoing regional tensions.
Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. military installation, was struck by an Iranian missile in March, though Qatari officials reported no injuries. The advisory further instructs Americans traveling to Qatar to prepare to shelter in place and have an emergency departure plan independent of U.S. government assistance.
FIFA’s response and regulatory implications
FIFA confirmed the withdrawal and noted that the Dominican Republic, which finished second in the U.S. team’s qualifying group, is the most likely replacement. The tournament, featuring 48 nations, is scheduled to run through December 13 in Doha.
Under FIFA regulations, the U.S. Soccer Federation is subject to a minimum fine of 20,000 Swiss francs ($24,000) by the FIFA disciplinary committee for withdrawing fewer than 30 days before the opening match. FIFA emphasized that other sports events in Qatar this year have been staged safely.
Background on the tournament
Qatar is hosting the Under-17 World Cup annually from 2025 through 2029, marking a continued partnership between the Gulf nation and FIFA. The tournament’s structure includes group-stage matches against Chile and Algeria, in addition to the originally scheduled game against Montenegro.