Team USA withdraws from FIFA U-17 World Cup amid State Department travel warning in Middle East

U.S. Soccer withdrew its under-17 men’s national team from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar on Wednesday, citing safety concerns and a State Department warning about the risk of armed conflict, per multiple reports. The federation notified players in a letter that it was canceling both its pre-tournament camp and participation in the competition, pointing to the government’s Level 3 travel advisory and related directives affecting embassy staff and families. "The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority," the letter said. The decision comes eight days before the tournament’s scheduled Nov. 19 kickoff. FIFA has scheduled the competition to run through Dec. 13. The State Department’s Oct. 23 advisory urges Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.