U.S. withdraws from FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 over safety concerns

U.S. Soccer has withdrawn its men’s Under-17 national team from the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, citing safety concerns and the current U.S. State Department travel advisory for Qatar.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on November 19 and run until December 13.

U.S. Soccer informed players and staff of the decision on Wednesday, November 11, cancelling both the team’s planned pre-tournament camp and its participation in the World Cup.

The federation said the decision was taken in light of current circumstances, including the State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and related guidance affecting U.S. Embassy personnel.

U.S. Soccer said the wellbeing of its players and staff remained its priority.

What does the U.S. travel advisory say?

The U.S. State Department currently lists Qatar at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing the risk of armed conflict.

Its latest advisory update is dated October 23, 2026.

The advisory refers to regional security concerns, including attacks carried out by Iranian-supported Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia and potential threats affecting U.S. interests in the region.

It also states that U.S. government employees require special authorisation to travel to Qatar.

However, the Level 3 status itself was not introduced on October 23.

State Department records show Qatar was already under a Level 3 advisory on August 28. The October update maintained the same advisory level while revising the accompanying security information.

U.S. had already named its World Cup squad

Just days before the withdrawal, U.S. U-17 head coach Alex Aldaz named a 21-player squad for the tournament.

The United States had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.

Its opening fixture was scheduled against Montenegro on November 21, followed by matches against Chile and Algeria.

FIFA also published the official squad lists for all 48 participating teams on November 11, with the United States still included at the time of publication.

FIFA yet to announce Group J changes

As of the latest official information available, FIFA has not publicly announced whether another national team will replace the United States or whether the Group J match schedule will be adjusted.

FIFA’s official tournament pages still list the United States in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.

The 2026 tournament was scheduled to feature 48 national teams playing 104 matches.

Tournament begins November 19

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 is scheduled to run from November 19 to December 13.

Most matches will be held across the Aspire Zone competition complex.

Qatar will compete in Group A alongside Panama, Egypt and Greece and is scheduled to open its campaign against Panama on November 19.

The 2026 competition is the second of five consecutive editions of the men’s U-17 World Cup being hosted by Qatar through 2029.

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