FIFA Confirms Under-17 World Cup to Proceed in Qatar After US Team Pullout

The FIFA Under-17 World Cup will proceed as scheduled in Qatar starting November 19, despite the United States Soccer Federation pulling its team from the tournament over security concerns. World football's governing body confirmed on Thursday that its organizational plans remain unchanged following the American federation's decision to withdraw.

US Soccer informed team members in a letter that it was cancelling its pre-tournament training camp and its participation in the competition. According to the letter, reported by news agencies, the federation cited player and staff well-being as its primary consideration. The decision coincided with an updated travel advisory from the US Department of State, which listed Qatar at Level 3 and urged American citizens to reconsider travel to the region because of potential risks associated with regional armed conflict, including Houthi strikes on infrastructure in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

FIFA stated in a public response that its security assessments for the 48-team tournament remain unchanged and that no developments altering the safety environment have taken place. The governing body added that it remains in regular consultation with local host authorities to evaluate conditions leading up to the kickoff. To underline the security situation in the host nation, FIFA noted that Qatar had successfully staged multiple international sporting events in recent days, including the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix and the FIP Padel World Cup 2026.

The Under-17 World Cup is scheduled to run from November 19 to December 13. Before the withdrawal, the United States had been placed in Group J, where it was scheduled to begin its group stage fixtures against Montenegro on November 21 before playing subsequent matches against Chile and Algeria. The final of the tournament is scheduled to be held at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Written by Thomas Nussbaumer thomas.nussbaumer@alpineweekly.com