By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The United States has reportedly withdrawn from the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar due to growing security concerns surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to reports by US Soccer Collective and The Athletic, players were informed of the decision slightly more than a week before the tournament is scheduled to kick off on November 19.

The reports, which cited unnamed sources, said the decision was influenced by the security situation in the region.

However, the United States Soccer Federation had yet to officially confirm the withdrawal as of Wednesday. The governing body also did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The development comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the outbreak of war in February, when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran.

Iran subsequently retaliated with attacks targeting several locations, including countries in the Gulf region that maintain close ties with Washington.

Efforts by diplomatic channels to bring the conflict to an end have continued, although tensions remain high, with the United States and Israel repeatedly threatening further military action against Iran.

The deteriorating security situation has also affected sporting activities across the region, forcing organisers to reconsider or cancel several international competitions.

Among the affected events is the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals, which was initially scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia. The tournament was subsequently moved to Indian Wells in the United States.

Motorsport has also suffered disruptions, with the Formula One Grand Prix scheduled for Jeddah cancelled. The Bahrain race was equally called off before being rescheduled under the same name in Malaysia.

Several sporting and entertainment events in Saudi Arabia have also been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks following attacks on the country by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The United States was among the 48 nations expected to participate in this year’s Under-17 World Cup. The team had been drawn in Group E alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.

Its reported withdrawal comes just days before the competition begins, potentially creating further adjustments for tournament organisers.

The FIFA Under-17 World Cup adopted an annual format last year, ending its previous arrangement of being held every two years.

Qatar is scheduled to host the competition for five consecutive editions, as part of FIFA’s plan to utilise existing football infrastructure and improve the organisation of the tournament.

When the decision was announced in 2024, FIFA explained that selecting one country to host multiple editions would promote efficiency and sustainability while making better use of available football facilities.

Qatar previously hosted the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, which attracted teams and supporters from across the globe.

Despite its experience in organising major international football competitions, the latest security concerns have raised questions about the participation of some teams in the upcoming youth tournament.

The United States’ reported decision highlights how the ongoing conflict is increasingly affecting international sports, with organisers and participating nations facing difficult decisions over the safety of athletes, officials and supporters.