US football team removed from the youth world Cup in Qatar a week before the start
US Soccer explained the decision to withdraw from the tournament security considerations and recommendations of the state Department to review travel plans to Qatar amid the conflict with the Houthis. The tournament starts on November 19
The U.S. Football Federation (US Soccer) has withdrawn its team from the youth World Cup in Qatar among players under the age of 17 for security reasons, representatives of the federation confirmed to ESPN.
The tournament, which was supposed to be attended by 48 teams, starts on November 19. The first match the Americans had to play against the Montenegrins on November 21.
US Soccer sent players a letter to withdraw from the tournament, mentioning a recommendation from the US State Department that urged citizens to "reconsider travel plans to Qatar due to the risk of armed conflict," including over Houthi attacks on facilities in Saudi Arabia.
At last year’s tournament, which was also held in Qatar, the US team reached the 1/16 finals. In 2024, FIFA announced that Qatar would host the tournament until 2029.
