From the Guardian · · 50s
US pulls out of U-17 World Cup
US Soccer drops U-17 World Cup after Middle East conflict safety risks.
In brief
US Soccer drops U-17 World Cup after Middle East conflict safety risks. US Soccer withdraws from 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to safety concerns from Middle East conflict. Originally reported by the Guardian.
US Soccer withdraws from U-17 World Cup
US men’s national team pulled out of Fifa U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to safety concerns.
“Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances … we are no longer able to participate in the tournament”
US cites state department advisory
US Soccer referred players to US state department’s travel advisory for Qatar due to risk of armed conflict.
“due to risk of armed conflict”
Fifa fines for withdrawal
Fifa fines qualified nations CHF20,000 if they withdraw within 30 days of tournament start.
“withdrawal within 30 days of the tournament’s start resulting in a fine of CHF20,000”
Middle East conflict impacts sports
Middle East conflict caused postponements of 2027 Asian Cup and Qatar’s rugby event.
“The 2027 Asian Cup was due to be held in Saudi Arabia in January 2027 but has been postponed nearly a year”
The headline
US Soccer withdraws from 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to safety concerns from Middle East conflict.
