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The US has withdrawn from the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar for security reasons linked to the situation in the Middle East.
In a letter sent to players and seen by news agency Reuters, US Soccer said it made the decision "in light of current circumstances".
The decision was announced on Wednesday, November 11, just eight days before the tournament is scheduled to begin on November 19.
In a letter sent to players and staff, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) confirmed that it had cancelled the team's pre-tournament training camp and participation in the competition, citing a travel advisory issued by the US State Department.
The advisory classifies Qatar under Level 3, urging American citizens to reconsider travelling to the country because of the risk of armed conflict.
"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 federation said.
"The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority."
The decision followed consultations with the federation's internal security team and the US State Department amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The American team had previously moved its pre-tournament training camp from Qatar to its national training centre near Atlanta as a precaution.
The withdrawal comes despite the United States having already announced its 21-man squad for the competition, with head coach Alex Aldaz selecting players to represent the country.
The US had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria, with its opening match against Montenegro scheduled for November 21.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup is scheduled to run from November 19 to December 13 in Qatar, featuring 48 countries.
The United States' withdrawal could also attract disciplinary action from FIFA
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