“South Korea is in Qatar, but…” United States to Withdraw from U-17 World Cup Despite Imminent Opening: “Player and Staff Safety Is Always the Top Priority”

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The United States has withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, eight days before the tournament's opening match. The decision was made to prioritize the safety of young players amid an unstable situation in the Middle East.

Reuters reported on the 12th (Korean time) that the United States Soccer Federation decided not to participate in the U-17 World Cup held in Qatar, citing concerns for player safety.

The association stated in a letter to the players that, “in light of the current situation,” it has canceled the pre-tournament training camp and withdrawn from the World Cup.

The US U-17 national team recently announced its final 21-man roster for the upcoming tournament. However, less than a week later, it informed the players of their non-participation decisions.

In a letter, the U.S. Soccer Federation cited the U.S. Department of State's Level 3 travel advisory (Reconsider Travel) for Qatar and the directives issued to U.S. Embassy staff in the country and their families as reasons for non-participation.

The association stated, “We are proud of the players and coaching staff who have been preparing for the World Cup,” while adding that “the safety and well-being of our players and staff remain our top priority at all times.”

The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Qatar last month, maintaining the existing Level 3 warning. Citing the risk of armed conflict, it advised U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Qatar. The State Department also noted that Yemen's Houthi rebels had attacked civilian airports and major infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

According to the report, the United States Soccer Federation asked players to refrain from making public statements until FIFA announced its decision on non-participation. The United States was scheduled to play Montenegro in its first match in Group J of the group stage, followed by matches against Chile and Algeria.

Meanwhile, the South Korea U-17 national team, led by head coach Kim Hyeon-jun, has already arrived in Doha, Qatar. The Qatari state news agency QNA reported that national teams from nine countries, including South Korea, have entered Doha. New Caledonia, which will face South Korea in the group stage, has also already arrived at the venue.

Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a Level 3 travel advisory, “Recommendation to Depart,” across all of Qatar. The Korean Embassy in Qatar urged the public to refrain from traveling to or visiting Qatar except in cases of necessity.

South Korea, placed in Group B of the tournament, will open its campaign against Uganda at 10:30 p.m. on the 19th. The team will then face New Caledonia at 11:30 p.m. on the 22nd and Ecuador at 9:30 p.m. on the 25th. All three matches will be held at Aspire Zone in Doha.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original