jordan pulse -

​AMMAN
​The United States Soccer Federation has officially announced the withdrawal of its men's Under-17 national team from the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled to kick off in Qatar on November 19, citing security concerns linked to escalating tensions and military conflict in the Middle East.
​The formal announcement followed initial reports by The Athletic and US Soccer Collective, before the federation confirmed in a letter to players and technical staff—seen by Agence France-Presse (AFP)—that it had canceled both its pre-tournament training camp and its participation in the competition.
​In its statement, US Soccer explained that the decision was taken in light of directives issued by the US State Department, which raised its travel advisory for Qatar to Level 3 ("Reconsider Travel due to risk of armed conflict") alongside specific guidance for embassy staff and their families. The federation emphasized that the safety and well-being of its players and personnel remain its highest priority.
​The move reflects the broader spillover effects of ongoing military confrontations involving the United States and Israeli forces on one side and Iran on the other, which have increasingly disrupted major international sporting events across the region.
​Prior to its withdrawal, the United States was drawn into Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile, and Algeria in the expanded 48-team tournament.
​Beginning last year, FIFA transitioned the U-17 World Cup into an annual tournament, awarding Qatar hosting rights for five consecutive editions (through 2029) based on its advanced stadium infrastructure and organizational sustainability goals.
​Source: Rum News Agency