The U.S. men’s U‑17 squad has withdrawn from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, set to begin in just over a week. In a letter to players, US Soccer cited the State Department’s travel advisory warning of armed‑conflict risk and the need for special authorization for government employees.
“Unfortunately, given the current situation, we can no longer take part in the tournament,” the federation wrote. “The wellbeing of our players and staff remains our top priority.” Ensuring their safety comes first. In my view, the move highlights the federation’s unwavering duty to protect its youth.
“Please accept our deepest appreciation for your commitment to US Soccer and our shared disappointment about these circumstances,” the letter added.