U.S. Soccer withdrew its men's under-17 national team from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar on Wednesday, Nov. 11, citing safety concerns for its players and staff. The federation canceled both its pre-tournament camp and its participation in the tournament, according to a letter to players reviewed by The Philadelphia Inquirer and Reuters.
The federation cited the State Department's travel advisory for Qatar and related directives for embassy personnel and their families. The advisory, issued Oct. 23, puts Qatar at Level 3 and asks Americans to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict. Travelers can check that page for the latest advice and the embassy's security alerts.
What changes for the team and tournament
U.S. Soccer had named 21 players on Nov. 6 under head coach Alex Aldaz. The United States had been drawn into Group J with Montenegro, Algeria and Chile. Its withdrawal ends the American squad's plans to play those group matches.
FIFA's tournament notice, posted Wednesday before the withdrawal became public, lists Nov. 19 through Dec. 13 for the tournament. FIFA plans to use eight pitches at Doha's Aspire Zone for matches before the final, which is scheduled for Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. FIFA's squad-list notice did not address a replacement for the United States or changes to Group J.
The decision concerns the men's under-17 team. Americans who planned to travel for its games can check FIFA's fixture page for any changes to the group schedule and review the State Department advisory before deciding whether to make the trip.
