US pulls boys team from FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar citing security in the Gulf

The United States soccer federation has withdrawn its boys' Under-17 team from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which was set to begin in Qatar the following week, citing security concerns in the Gulf region. FIFA confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The decision comes amid heightened security alerts in Qatar and the broader Gulf region following U.S. military attacks on Iran that began in February.