The United States have withdrawn from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar because of concerns over the risk of armed conflict in the region.
US Soccer confirmed the decision in a letter sent to players and their families on Wednesday, just eight days before the tournament was due to begin.
The federation cited advice from the US Department of State, which issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar last month, urging American citizens to reconsider travelling to the country.
The decision means the USA will not take part in the 48-team competition, which is scheduled to run from November 19 to December 13.
US Soccer prioritises player safety with withdrawal decision
The federation said the move had been made "in light of current circumstances", while reiterating that the safety of its players and staff would remain its priority.
The US State Department issued its Level 3 advisory on October 23, citing the risk of armed conflict and warning that hostilities in the region could escalate rapidly.
The guidance also referenced attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement on civilian airports and critical infrastructure in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
A Level 3 advisory means travellers should reconsider visiting a country, with only a Level 4 warning – 'Do Not Travel' – representing a higher level of caution.
US Soccer also asked the players not to comment publicly on the withdrawal until FIFA had been formally notified.
USA were set to face Montenegro, Chile and Algeria
The USA had qualified for the tournament and were drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.
Their opening fixture was scheduled against Montenegro on November 21, with the team having already prepared for the competition under head coach Alex Aldaz.
The federation had named its 21-player squad only last week, meaning the withdrawal comes as a significant disappointment for the young players who had been preparing for the opportunity to represent their country at a World Cup.
The USA reached the round of 32 at the 2025 edition in Qatar, which was the first of five consecutive tournaments assigned to the country.
FIFA could take action following USA withdrawal
The decision also raises questions over the potential consequences for US Soccer, given the tournament's proximity.
Under FIFA regulations, a team withdrawing within 30 days of the competition beginning can face a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs, while the governing body also has the authority to appoint a replacement.
The USA could also face further disciplinary action for withdrawing after qualifying, with teams generally required to fulfil their tournament commitments.
FIFA has not yet publicly outlined how it intends to respond to the withdrawal.
The decision is not the first time US Soccer has cancelled a trip to Qatar because of security concerns. In January 2020, the federation scrapped a men's national team training camp in Doha following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, relocating the preparations to Florida.
However, the latest decision carries considerably greater significance, with a group of teenage players losing the opportunity to compete at a major international tournament.
With the security situation continuing to affect sporting events across the region, attention will now turn to FIFA's response and whether the USA will be replaced in the tournament.
