USA withdraw from under-17 world tournament in Qatar amid safety concerns over armed conflict risk
USA Pulls Out of Tournament
The USA have withdrawn from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar because of concerns about possible armed conflict. The team cited guidance from the US Department of State.
The department issued a level three travel advisory for Qatar last month. It told Americans to reconsider travelling there because of the “risk of armed conflict,” the update said.
Tournament Schedule and Fixtures
The 48-team tournament is set to run from 19 November to 13 December. The USA were scheduled to play group matches against Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. The USA reached the last 32 at last year’s Under-17 World Cup. That event was the first of five successive editions planned to take place annually in Qatar.
Players Asked to Stay Quiet
The USA said it would notify the players’ clubs about the withdrawal. It also asked players not to comment publicly until tournament organisers Fifa announce the decision.
Key points
- The USA withdrew from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar over armed-conflict concerns.
- A level three US travel advisory for Qatar was issued last month.
- The tournament runs from 19 November to 13 December, with 48 teams.
- The USA were set to face Montenegro, Chile and Algeria in their group.