The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has withdrawn its Under-17 men’s national team from the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, insisting that exposing teenage players to the prevailing security situation was not a risk worth taking.
“Sending 16- and 17-year-olds given that situation was not tenable,” a source familiar with the federation’s decision told Yahoo Sports journalist Steven Goff.
US Soccer communicated its decision to FIFA, players and team staff on Wednesday, November 11, bringing an abrupt end to the young Americans’ preparations for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from November 19 to December 13.
The withdrawal comes amid escalating security concerns linked to the war involving the United States and Iran, with the federation reportedly concluding that the situation in the region made travelling to Qatar unsuitable for its young players.
According to reports, the decision followed consultations involving US Soccer’s security personnel, the U.S. State Department and other relevant authorities.
The U.S. State Department has maintained a Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar, urging American citizens to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict. Security concerns also prompted the federation to relocate its pre-tournament training camp from Qatar to its national training centre near Atlanta, Georgia.
The decision is particularly disappointing for the players, who had been preparing for an opportunity to represent their country at one of international football’s biggest youth competitions.
Head coach Alex Aldaz had announced a 21-player squad on November 6, with the United States drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.
The Americans were scheduled to open their campaign against Montenegro on November 21, before facing Chile on November 24 and Algeria on November 27.
However, US Soccer has made the safety of its players and staff its priority, opting against sending the teenage squad into an environment it considers unsuitable for their participation.
The withdrawal now leaves FIFA facing questions over the implications for Group J and the competition’s schedule as Qatar prepares to host the 48-team tournament.
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