The key facts
- The US withdrew from the U-17 World Cup in Qatar over security concerns; FIFA confirmed the withdrawal but said the security assessment had not changed
- Infantino in Doha: 'Everyone is safe in Doha'; the US decision is the prerogative of the American federation
- A replacement for the US in Group J (Montenegro, Chile, Algeria) has not yet been announced; the tournament starts on 19 November
US withdrawal and FIFA's response
The United States will not compete at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. As Euronews reports, the US federation informed its players of the withdrawal on Wednesday, citing security concerns in the Persian Gulf region. FIFA confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday, noting that the decision was made 'in light of the current US Level 3 travel advisory,' but stressed that its own security assessment had not changed and that 'no new events affecting the security of the tournament have occurred.'
Infantino: 'Everyone is safe in Doha'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking to journalists in Doha on Thursday, called the US decision a matter for the federation itself: 'Every country, every team knows best what to do — they decide.' At the same time, he assured the remaining teams they had nothing to fear: 'Everyone is welcome in Doha, everyone is safe in Doha.' According to him, FIFA is ready, and the tournament will bring together young players from six continents.
Who will replace the US and how preparations are going
The US were due to play in Group J against Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. A replacement has not yet been announced, but according to Jasim Al-Jasim, CEO of the Qatari organising committee, the announcement is expected 'in the coming days' — the decision rests with FIFA. He stressed that preparations are proceeding as normal: several teams are already holding training camps and friendly matches in Doha, and in recent weeks Qatar has also hosted other international events, including a MotoGP round and a UN technology conference.
Tournament format and schedule
The tournament begins on 19 November and will be the second of five consecutive U-17 World Cups that Qatar will host through 2029. Last year the format was expanded from 24 to 48 teams, with matches played on eight pitches at the Aspire Zone complex, where fans can watch several games in a single day. Infantino admitted that in 2025 FIFA did not know how the new format would work, but called the teams' reaction 'absolutely fantastic'; matches then drew an average of 10,000 spectators per day. This year 104 matches are scheduled — up to eight per day in the group stage and the round of 32. Seven teams will make their debut, including Greece, Montenegro and Vietnam; China returns after a 21-year absence. Hosts Qatar will open the tournament against Panama on 19 November, with the final set for 13 December at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
