U.S. Soccer canceled its World Cup pre-tournament camp and will not send the U.S. U-17 team to the World Cup in Qatar, removing the team from the tournament scheduled to begin Nov. 19, 2026.
Fox News Digital obtained a letter from U.S. Soccer explaining the decision, saying the federation made the call in light of a U.S. State Department Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and “related directives for Embassy staff and families,” and that the well-being of players and staff was the federation’s top priority.
The withdrawal became public Nov. 11, 2026, eight days before the tournament’s scheduled Nov. 19 start, the letter said. The letter praised the players and coaches for their preparation and asked players to refrain from publicly discussing the decision until FIFA announced it, adding that clubs would receive official notification.
The State Department’s Oct. 23, 2026 advisory urges Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict, says U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there and cites attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces against civilian airports and other infrastructure in neighboring Saudi Arabia. The advisory warns the hostilities could spread and identifies risks to civilian aviation.
U.S. Soccer had announced a 21-player roster on Nov. 6, 2026. The Americans were scheduled to open Group J against Montenegro on Nov. 21, face Chile on Nov. 24 and finish group play against Algeria on Nov. 27. The roster included Philadelphia Union forward Malik Jakupovic, who scored eight goals during qualifying, and players affiliated with European clubs including AC Milan, Ajax and PSV.
The United States secured qualification in February 2026 by winning its CONCACAF qualifying group in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including wins of 8-0 and 10-0 over hosts and St. Kitts and Nevis and a 1-1 draw that clinched advancement. Nine members of that qualifying squad were included on the World Cup roster.
FIFA published the tournament’s official squad lists on Nov. 11, 2026, and had outlined plans for 104 matches and a final at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. This edition is the second under the expanded 48-team annual format and the second of five consecutive editions awarded to Qatar.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
