Soccer-US pulls men's Under-17 team from World Cup in Qatar over safety concerns

US Soccer has withdrawn its national ​team from the men's FIFA ​Under-17 World Cup in ‌Qatar over ​safety concerns, the federation told players on Wednesday. In a letter sent to players and provided ‌to Reuters, the federation said it was cancelling the team's pre-tournament camp and its participation in the event "in light of current circumstances."

It cited the US ‌State Department's Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and related directives ‌for embassy staff and families. "The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority," the letter said.

US Soccer said it would notify the players' clubs ⁠on ​Wednesday. It asked ⁠players not to comment publicly until FIFA announces the decision. FIFA did not immediately respond ⁠to a Reuters request for comment.

The State Department updated its advisory for Qatar last ​month, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of the risk of ⁠armed conflict. The update cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including on civilian airports and ⁠critical ​infrastructure.

The 48-team tournament runs from November 19 to December 13. The United States had been due to open against Montenegro on November ⁠21 before facing Chile and Algeria in Group J. The US reached the ⁠round of 32 ⁠at last year's edition, also held in Qatar, which is set to host the event every year through ‌2029.