U.S. Soccer withdraws U-17 team from World Cup over safety concerns

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 11, 2026, 9:22 PM

Last updated Nov 11, 2026

U.S. Soccer withdraws U-17 team from World Cup over safety concerns
Summary

The U.S. Soccer Federation will not send its under-17 boys' national team to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this month due to safety concerns arising from the ongoing war with Iran. This decision, conveyed to players and families on November 11, marks a heartbreak for those involved, as this would have been the team's sixth consecutive appearance in the tournament. The U.S. government has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar amid escalating tensions, and the federation previously moved the team's training camp from Qatar to Atlanta. The decision was made after consultations with the USSF's internal security team and the State Department, and FIFA was notified accordingly.

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Key Details
  • •U.S. U-17 team withdraws from World Cup in Qatar
  • •Safety concerns related to the Iran war cited
  • •Training camp moved to Atlanta prior to withdrawal
  • •U.S. government has a Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar
  • •Decision made after consultation with security teams and State Department
Latest Updates
  • 9:22 PMESPN Soccer — U.S. withdraws from FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar over safety concerns
  • 9:08 PMYahoo Sports — U.S. Soccer withdraws from U-17 World Cup in Qatar over safety concerns amid Iran war, sources say
What they're saying
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The decision ends the Americans' plans to compete in the tournament later this month, with one person familiar with the situation describing the news to players and families as "pretty heartbreaking."

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U.S. Soccer has pulled its youth national team out of the Qatar-based FIFA men's U17 World Cup over safety concerns, the federation confirmed to ESPN.

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