US Pull Out of U-17 World Cup Eight Days Before Kick-Off

The United States men’s national team has announced a late withdrawal from the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. With the competition due to kick off in just eight days, the US Soccer Federation made the decision to pull out following severe travel warnings regarding the host nation.

Player Welfare Prioritised

In a letter dispatched to the squad and staff, the US Soccer Federation explained that their participation in the youth tournament was no longer viable. The governing body made it clear that the safety of the travelling party was the sole factor behind the late cancellation.

"The wellbeing of our players and staff will always be our top priority,"

US Soccer stated in the communication. Addressing the sudden change in plans just over a week before the tournament, the federation added:

"Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances … we are no longer able to participate in the tournament,"

State Department Travel Advisory

The late US U-17 World Cup withdrawal stems directly from official government guidance. The federation directed players to the US State Department’s current travel advisory for Qatar, which strongly encourages citizens to reconsider travel to the country.

The advisory highlights a specific risk of armed conflict in the region. The geopolitical warnings are severe enough that US government employees are currently required to obtain special authorisation before they are permitted to travel to Qatar.

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup starting in just over a week, the United States will now play no part in the competition.