USA withdraws from U17 World Cup due to security risks

The United States has withdrawn its under‑17 team from the World Cup in Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict, US Soccer said in a letter seen by Reuters. The decision was taken "in light of current circumstances" after the US Department of State issued a level‑three travel advisory for Qatar.

The advisory followed a deadly Houthi attack on a Saudi Arabian airport and ongoing air strikes on Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The 48‑team tournament runs from 19 November to 13 December, with the USA slated to face Montenegro, Chile and Algeria in the group stage. The travel warning highlighted Houthi attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure and warned that hostilities "have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area", urging Americans to reconsider travel because of "risk of armed conflict".

US Soccer added that "The well‑being of our players and staff will always be our top priority" and said it would inform the players' clubs while asking them not to comment publicly until FIFA announces the withdrawal.

The 2027 Asian Cup, due to be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February, has been postponed by almost a year because of the conflict. The wife of England striker Ollie Watkins, who plays in the Saudi Pro League, has taken their children back to the UK until the situation "calms down".