US Withdraws from U17 World Cup in Qatar Over Middle East Security Concerns

The decision was reported on Wednesday, November 12, 2026, by US Soccer Collective and The Athletic, which cited sources familiar with the matter.

According to the reports, players were informed of the withdrawal just over a week before the tournament is scheduled to begin on November 19.

The development comes amid heightened security concerns in the Middle East, raising questions about the safety of teams, officials and supporters expected to travel to Qatar for the competition.

The United States Soccer Federation, the country's football governing body, had not publicly confirmed the reported withdrawal by the time the reports emerged.

The federation also had not immediately responded to a request for comment from Agency France-Presse (AFP).

The withdrawal, if officially confirmed, would be a significant development for the tournament, which brings together young national teams from different parts of the world to compete for the under-17 title.

It would also leave organizers with limited time to address the implications of the United States' absence before the opening matches.

Qatar is hosting the competition as international attention remains focused on security developments across the region. The reported decision highlights the challenges major sporting events can face when political and security concerns affect international travel.

However, details surrounding the specific security threats or assessments that informed the reported decision have not been made public.

It also remains unclear whether the United States could reconsider its position if the security situation changes before the tournament begins.

For now, the withdrawal remains based on media reports, with official confirmation from US Soccer still awaited.

source:https://citizen.digital/article/us-withdraws-from-u17-world-cup-in-qatar-over-security-fears-reports-n393760?fbclid=IwY2xjawViYY5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR8iP5JF5hOVtJ_D9rnO_NBSLLjIMgMf6KCSFQSXJcc3LOJJQkWl-_bO2FTtFA_aem_f-iBh7tbQfE2L-tKvuouyQ