Under-17 World Cup: USA withdraw from Qatar tournament over safety concerns
The USA has withdrawn its team from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing safety concerns due to the risk of armed conflict in the region. The decision follows a US State Department travel advisory regarding Houthi attacks on infrastructure in neighboring countries.
Why it matters
This highlights how geopolitical instability and regional conflicts can directly disrupt international sporting events and athlete safety protocols.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The USA reached the last 32 of last year's Under-17 World Cup, the first of five successive editions to be held annually in Qatar
The USA have withdrawn from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict.
In a letter sent to players and seen by news agency Reuters, US Soccer said it made the decision "in light of current circumstances".
It cited advice from the US Department of State, which issued a level three travel advisory , external for Qatar last month.
That came a day after Yemen's Houthi movement carried out a deadly attack on an airport in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, while air strikes have continued on Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The 48-team tournament runs from 19 November to 13 December, and the USA were due to play group games against Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.
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