According to the letter obtained by Reuters, the federation has cancelled the team’s pre-tournament training camp in view of the current circumstances. It has also decided that the United States will not take part in the competition.
The decision follows a Level 3 travel advisory issued by the US Department of State for Qatar. The federation also considered special instructions issued to staff members of the US Embassy in Qatar and their families, which reportedly contributed to concerns about the safety of travelling personnel.
In its communication to players, the US Soccer Federation stressed that the safety and well-being of its players and officials would always remain its highest priority. The decision reflects the organisation’s position that protecting members of the travelling delegation must take precedence over participation in an international sporting event.
Players were instructed to inform their respective clubs about the withdrawal on Wednesday. They were also told not to make public comments on the matter until FIFA had formally confirmed the development.
Reuters sought a response from FIFA regarding the United States’ decision, but the world governing body did not immediately comment.
The US Department of State updated its travel advisory for Qatar last month, urging American citizens to reconsider travel plans because of the risk of armed conflict. The warning highlighted wider security concerns across the Middle East, including attacks by Yemen’s Houthi armed group on civilian airports and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Although the incidents cited in the advisory involved neighbouring Saudi Arabia, the broader regional security environment appears to have influenced the federation’s assessment of the risks associated with sending a youth team to Qatar.
The withdrawal comes at a significant moment for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from 19 November to 13 December. The 48-team competition is expected to bring together young footballers from across the world, offering them an opportunity to compete at international level and gain valuable experience.
The United States had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. Under the original fixture schedule, the American side were due to begin their campaign against Montenegro on 21 November, two days after the tournament’s opening.
Their withdrawal could now affect the composition of the group and potentially require adjustments to the competition’s arrangements. However, FIFA has yet to issue an official statement clarifying how the situation will be handled or whether another team will replace the United States.
The decision is particularly notable given the country’s participation in the previous edition of the tournament, also held in Qatar last year. On that occasion, the United States progressed beyond the group stage and reached the round of 32 before their campaign ended.
FIFA has plans to stage the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar annually until 2029. The expanded 48-team format is intended to provide greater opportunities for young players and increase participation from national teams around the world.
The latest development, however, has placed the spotlight on the challenges of organising major international sporting events amid regional security concerns. FIFA and the Qatari organisers will now face questions over the arrangements following the American federation’s decision.
For the United States, the withdrawal represents a significant departure from its previous participation. The federation’s position makes clear that, in its assessment, the safety of young players and team officials must come before competitive commitments.
