World Cup

United States withdraws from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar over safety concerns

U.S. Soccer has withdrawn the United States men's under-17 team from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, telling players and families on Wednesday that it was cancelling the team's pre-tournament camp and its participation because of safety concerns. In its letter, the federation cited the US State Department's Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar — 'reconsider travel due to risk of armed conflict' — and related directives for embassy staff and families. The 48-team tournament runs from 19 November to 13 December in Doha; FIFA published its official squad lists on Wednesday still including the USA, and had not commented publicly.