The United States has announced its withdrawal from the Under-17 World Cup scheduled to take place in Qatar, citing security concerns.
According to American sports network ESPN, the United States Soccer Federation has cancelled the team’s preparatory camp and withdrawn its participation in the tournament. The decision was communicated to players and technical staff on Wednesday evening, with the federation emphasising that their safety and well-being remain its top priority.
In a message sent to the players, the federation informed them of its decision to cancel the team’s World Cup preparation camp and participation in the competition, citing security concerns:
“We write to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our preparation camp for the World Cup and our participation in the tournament. We are extremely proud of the preparations our players and coaches have made to represent the United States at the World Cup.”
“Unfortunately, under the current circumstances, including the US State Department’s Level Three travel warning for Qatar and the guidance relating to embassy staff and their families, we are no longer able to take part in the tournament. The safety of our players and staff will always remain at the top of our priorities.”
The US State Department’s travel warning for Qatar remains at Level Three, which advises American citizens to reconsider travelling to the country because of the possibility of armed conflict.
In its October 23 advisory, the department highlighted security threats linked to the wider Middle East conflict, including attacks by Iran-supported Houthi forces on civilian airports and critical infrastructure in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
The withdrawal comes just eight days before the tournament kicks off on November 19. The United States had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria, with its opening match scheduled against Montenegro on November 21.
