The United States has withdrawn from the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
US Soccer informed players and coaches that it had cancelled the team’s pre-tournament training camp and would not participate in the competition. The decision came just over a week before the tournament is scheduled to begin on November 19.
The governing body cited the US State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and related security directives for embassy staff and their families. The United States had been among 48 teams scheduled to compete in the tournament.
The withdrawal comes amid wider disruption to sporting events across the region due to escalating tensions and security concerns.
