FAYETTEVILLE, Ga — U.S. Soccer withdrew its youth team from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to concerns about the conflict in Iran.
In a letter that ESPN obtained, U.S. Soccer told its players Wednesday that it would be pulling out of the tournament.
“We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup pre-camp and our planned participation in the World Cup,” it said. “We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup.
“Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances including the US State Department’s Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority.”
U.S. Soccer Collective was the first outlet to report on the withdrawal.
In the 21st edition of the tournament, the U.S. youth would have faced Montenegro (Nov. 21st), Chile (Nov. 24th), and Algeria (Nov. 27th) in the group stage.