The United States has withdrawn from the upcoming Under-17 soccer World Cup in Qatar due to security concerns in the Middle East, US media reported on Wednesday.
Players learned of the decision just over a week before the tournament is scheduled to begin on November 19. US Soccer Collective and The Athletic reported the news, citing anonymous sources.
US Soccer, the sport’s governing body in the United States, did not immediately confirm the reports or respond to requests for comment.
The current conflict in the Middle East began in February with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran retaliated by targeting Gulf countries allied with Washington.
Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have faced repeated threats from the United States and Israel to resume bombardments of Iran.
Multiple sporting events in the region have been affected by the ongoing instability. The tennis WTA Finals, scheduled for Saudi Arabia, are instead taking place at Indian Wells in the US.
This season’s Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah was canceled. The race in Bahrain was also called off and later rescheduled under the same name in Malaysia.
Several events in Saudi Arabia have been canceled or postponed after attacks on the country by the Houthis in Yemen.
The United States is one of 48 teams scheduled to play in the Under-17 World Cup. The team was placed in a group alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.
The Under-17 World Cup shifted to an annual event last year and is being held in Qatar for five consecutive years.
FIFA announced its host decision in 2024, stating that choosing a single host nation for multiple editions centered on utilizing existing football infrastructure for tournament efficiencies and sustainability.
