USA withdraw from U17 World Cup in Qatar citing armed conflict risk in region

The United States have withdrawn from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, set to begin on 19 November, citing the US State Department’s level-three travel advisory warning Americans against travel to the country due to the risk of armed conflict in the region.

US Soccer informed players of the decision by letter, stating: “Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances … we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. The wellbeing of our players and staff will always be our top priority. Please accept our deepest appreciation for your commitment to US Soccer and our shared disappointment about these circumstances.”

The State Department issued its level-three advisory last month, a day after Yemen’s Houthi rebels carried out deadly airstrikes on Riyadh’s international airport. The advisory warned of the “risk of armed conflict” and the “potential for hostilities to escalate beyond” areas already attacked.

FIFA regulations for U17 World Cups require qualifying nations to participate or face a fine of approximately $24,000 for withdrawing within 30 days of the tournament’s start date. The USA had qualified for the last 32 and were scheduled to play Group J matches against Montenegro, Chile, and Algeria. The tournament runs until 13 December and is the first of five editions intended to be held annually in Qatar.

The withdrawal is part of a broader disruption to international sport in the Middle East. Riyadh’s Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition has been postponed from October to December, the Dakar Rally will be relocated from Saudi Arabia, golf’s Asian Tour has postponed the Saudi International, the World Rally Championship has removed its Saudi round, and the Urban Cycling World Championships were cancelled outright. The 2027 Asian Cup, the continental football championship due in Saudi Arabia in January, has also been pushed back by nearly a year.

Formula 1 is pressing ahead with its season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.