Key Highlights
- The United States has withdrawn from the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar over concerns about the risk of armed conflict.
- US Soccer cited a Level 3 travel advisory from the US Department of State, which warned of a “risk of armed conflict” and possible rapid escalation.
- The 48-team tournament is scheduled to run from 19 November to 13 December, with the USA due to face Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.
USA Withdraws From Under-17 World Cup in Qatar
The United States has withdrawn from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar because of concerns about the risk of armed conflict. US Soccer informed players of the decision in a letter seen by Reuters, saying it was made “in light of current circumstances”.
The governing body based its decision on guidance from the US Department of State, which issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar last month. The advisory followed a deadly attack by Yemen’s Houthi movement on an airport in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, while air strikes have continued in both Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The US travel warning referred to Houthi attacks targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure. It also cautioned that hostilities “have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area” and advised Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar because of the “risk of armed conflict”.
US Soccer Prioritises Player and Staff Safety
In its letter to the Under-17 players, US Soccer said, “The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority,”. The organisation said it would inform the players’ clubs about the withdrawal and asked the squad not to comment publicly until the decision had been announced by tournament organisers Fifa.
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The USA had been scheduled to play Montenegro, Chile and Algeria in the group stage of the 48-team tournament. The Under-17 World Cup is due to take place in Qatar from 19 November to 13 December.
Regional Conflict Affects International Football
The withdrawal comes amid wider disruption to football plans in the region. The 2027 Asian Cup, the Asian equivalent of the European Championships, was scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February. The tournament has been postponed by almost a year because of the conflict.
Concerns about safety have also affected families connected to football in Saudi Arabia. The wife of England striker Ollie Watkins, who plays in the Saudi Pro League, has taken their children back to the United Kingdom until the situation “calms down”.
Why This Matters
The USA’s withdrawal highlights the direct impact of regional security concerns on international football, including youth tournaments and major continental competitions. The decision also shows how government travel advisories can affect national-team participation when organisers and federations assess risks to players and staff.
Fifa is expected to announce the USA’s withdrawal through the tournament’s official organisers. The Under-17 World Cup remains scheduled to begin on 19 November, but the tournament’s group-stage arrangements may need to be updated following the US decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the USA withdraw from the Under-17 World Cup?
US Soccer withdrew the team because of the risk of armed conflict and advice from the US Department of State, which urged Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar.
Who was the USA scheduled to play?
The USA was due to face Montenegro, Chile and Algeria in the group stage of the 48-team Under-17 World Cup.
When is the Under-17 World Cup scheduled to take place?
The tournament is scheduled to run in Qatar from 19 November to 13 December.
