U.S. Soccer Withdraws Boys’ U-17 Team From Qatar World Cup

U.S. Soccer has withdrawn its boys’ under-17 national team from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing the U.S. State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory and related guidance for embassy staff and their families. The decision also cancels the team’s planned pre-tournament camp, less than two weeks before the competition is scheduled to begin on November 19.

In a letter to players, the federation said current circumstances meant the team could not participate and that the wellbeing of players and staff was its priority. The stated rationale reflects U.S. Soccer’s assessment; the reports do not independently establish the level of risk to the team in Qatar. The State Department advisory urges Americans to reconsider travel to the country because of the risk of armed conflict.

FIFA confirmed the U.S. withdrawal. The tournament’s 48 teams are scheduled to compete in Qatar from November 19 through December 13. The United States had been drawn in Group J with Montenegro, Chile and Algeria, and was due to open against Montenegro on November 21.

FIFA has not announced a replacement for the United States. If the place remains vacant, the governing body may need to change how it...