FIFA said the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar will kick off as scheduled on November 19 despite US Soccer’s decision to withdraw its national team from the 48-team tournament. The US federation said it was pulling out citing what it described as safety concerns, but FIFA confirmed on Thursday that its hosting plans remain unchanged. The tournament runs from November 19 to December 13, and the US team had been due to open Group J against Montenegro on November 21 before facing Chile and Algeria. FIFA’s statement, issued hours after the US announcement, stressed that security assessments had not changed and that Qatar had recently hosted major international events.
Key Takeaways: The U-17 World Cup will go ahead in Qatar from November 19 to December 13 with 48 teams, while the US was scheduled to begin Group J play on November 21. FIFA said its security assessments “remain unchanged” and that no new developments affecting the tournament’s security situation had occurred. US Soccer’s withdrawal was linked to the existing US regime travel advisory for Qatar, which was updated last month over the risk of armed conflict.
The backdrop is a US regime travel advisory that was updated last month, urging Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict. The US regime’s State Department update referred to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian airports and critical infrastructure. In a letter to players, US Soccer said it was cancelling the team’s pre-tournament camp and participation “in light of current circumstances,” according to Reuters. “The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority,” the federation’s letter said. The decision highlights how security perceptions can shape team decisions before global competitions, even as FIFA publicly backs Qatar’s preparations.
In a statement to Al Jazeera, FIFA said: “The safety and security of all participants and fans remain paramount. As with all FIFA tournaments and events, we are in close contact with the relevant authorities and are looking forward to the tournament kickoff in Qatar.” FIFA added that “in recent months, Qatar has successfully hosted several international events.” It noted that MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix was successfully held on November 8 and the FIP Padel World Cup 2026 concluded the same day. FIFA also said it understood US Soccer’s decision was made “in light of the existing US Level 3 travel advisory” issued by the US regime’s State Department, while insisting no new developments had affected security around the tournament.
The immediate question is how US Soccer’s exit will be formally handled in the Group J schedule and whether FIFA will adjust match logistics. FIFA and Qatari organizers are expected to provide further details on the participant list, fixture arrangements and security measures in the coming days. US Soccer says player and staff welfare remains its priority; its decision may prompt other federations and fans to reassess travel advice. The tournament is still set to begin on November 19, with FIFA insisting its plan is unchanged, but the withdrawal adds a logistical and reputational complication to the build-up.
Source: www.aljazeera.com