The United States has withdrawn its under-17 men’s soccer team from the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing safety concerns and the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for the country. FIFA says it has been informed of the decision and that its tournament security assessment has not changed.

What US Soccer and FIFA have said

US Soccer informed players of the withdrawal on Wednesday, Nov. 11, according to Reuters, which reviewed a letter from the federation. The letter cited “current circumstances” and pointed to the State Department’s Level 3 advisory for Qatar. FIFA separately confirmed it had been notified.

FIFA said its security assessments remain unchanged and that it knew of no new developments affecting the tournament’s security situation. The governing body also said it remains in contact with relevant authorities and expects the event to begin as planned. Those statements describe FIFA’s position; they do not negate the U.S. federation’s decision or the advisory issued to U.S. travelers.

The tournament schedule and Group J

The 48-team tournament is scheduled to run in Qatar from Nov. 19 to Dec. 13. The United States had been drawn into Group J with Montenegro, Chile and Algeria, and was due to open against Montenegro on Nov. 21. FIFA said applicable tournament regulations will be followed, but the reports available at publication did not identify a replacement team or describe a change to the group schedule.

What the travel advisory says

The State Department’s Qatar advisory, issued Oct. 23, is Level 3: “Reconsider travel.” It cites a risk of armed conflict and says U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel there. The advisory is guidance for U.S. travelers and personnel, not a general travel ban. Reuters reported that US Soccer cited the advisory in its decision; FIFA said its own security assessment had not changed.

The competing statements leave two questions open: how FIFA will apply its rules to the U.S. withdrawal, and whether the tournament’s lineup or match schedule will change. Until FIFA or the organizers announce an adjustment, the published schedule remains the reference point. Related international competition coverage is available in The Globuzz’s Sports section.

Sources

Reuters: US pulls men’s Under-17 team from World Cup in Qatar over safety concerns; The Guardian: US withdraw from U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to safety concerns; U.S. Department of State: Qatar Travel Advisory; FIFA: U-17 World Cup fixtures and schedule.