BREAKING NEWS U.S. Soccer is pulling the U17 USYNT out of the U17 World Cup for safety concerns. Not sure if other countries will do the same, but I am hearing U.S. is out. Players have been informed.
— Marcus Chairez | US/SC (@USSoccerColl) November 11, 2026
NEWS
Due to Middle East conflict: USA withdraw from U17 World Cup
The US Soccer Federation has withdrawn its team from the U17 World Cup due to security concerns in host country Qatar.
The U17 World Cup in Qatar will take place without the US team.
As reported by outlets including "The Athletic" and "ESPN", the US Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) has decided against participating due to security concerns linked to the conflict involving Iran in the Middle East.
The US State Department lists Qatar as a Level 3 travel advisory, advising travelers to "reconsider travel due to armed conflict risk."
Tournament starts next week
The players were informed of the decision in a letter from U.S. Soccer on Wednesday. The tournament kicks off on November 19, with the USA scheduled to begin their campaign two days later.
Following recent reforms, the U17 World Cup is held annually, with Qatar serving as the host nation from 2025 to 2029. Last year, the Austrian national team finished as runners-up. The Austrian squad failed to qualify for this year's tournament.
MotoGP race held – F1 to visit Doha in late November
Other sports see no issues with staging events in the Middle East: MotoGP visited Doha (Qatar) last weekend, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled at the end of November.
Toto Wolff recently criticized the safety and security concerns expressed by MotoGP teams and riders: "I think when drivers who have no geopolitical clue about what is going on speak out, but have an audience listening to them, it creates media value."
