USA Withdraws Team from FIFA U-17 World Cup Over Security Concerns in Qatar and Gulf Region
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA confirmed that the United States has withdrawn its U-17 squad from the 2026 World Cup in Qatar due to security concerns in the region.
- FIFA stated that its security assessments remain unchanged and emphasized ongoing communication with relevant authorities ahead of the tournament.
- The U.S. State Department currently has Qatar at Level 3 travel advisory, warning of potential escalations related to Iranian-supported Houthi hostilities against Saudi Arabia.
- U.S. Soccer informed the under-17 team of the withdrawal decision, which may result in a FIFA fine of at least $24,000 for the late pullout.
