FIFA president Gianni Infantino has moved to reassure participating nations that Qatar is a safe host for the upcoming Under-17 World Cup, following the United States' decision to pull out of the tournament over security concerns.
Speaking to reporters in Doha on Thursday, Infantino said the choice to withdraw rested with the US Soccer Federation, but stressed that other teams had no reason for alarm.
“Every country, every national team knows best by themselves what they want to do, they decide,” he said. “What I can say is that everyone is welcome in Doha, everyone is safe in Doha.”
The tournament begins on 19 November, with several squads already arriving in the Qatari capital for training camps and friendlies.
US withdrawal leaves a vacant spot
US Soccer informed its players on Wednesday that it was withdrawing from the competition, citing the existing US Level 3 travel advisory for the Gulf region. FIFA confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday but said its own security assessment had not changed.
“FIFA understands that US Soccer’s decision was made in light of the existing US Level 3 travel advisory,” the world football body said in a statement, adding that “no new developments affecting the security situation of the tournament have occurred.”
The United States had been drawn in Group J alongside Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. A replacement team has not yet been named, but local organisers expect an announcement soon.
“This is a FIFA decision, a FIFA competition,” said Jassim Al Jassim, CEO of Qatar's Local Organising Committee. “I think they will announce something within the next few days.” Al Jassim said preparations were continuing as normal, pointing to recent international events in Qatar, including MotoGP and a United Nations technology conference. “Everything is normal, business as usual for us,” he added.
The tournament is the second of five consecutive U-17 World Cups that Qatar will host through 2029. Infantino, during a visit to the Aspire Zone on Thursday, praised the readiness of the venues.
“Qatar is ready, FIFA is ready,” he said, encouraging fans to attend. “Come to Qatar, come to Doha, enjoy the best young players in the world.”
The competition expanded from 24 to 48 teams last year, with matches played across eight pitches at the Aspire Zone. Infantino admitted that FIFA had been uncertain about the new format when it was introduced in 2025.
“We did not really know what to expect,” he said. “The response from all the teams, from the managers, from everyone was absolutely fantastic.” He noted that the tournament drew an average of 10,000 spectators a day last year, and organisers have since made improvements to accommodate potentially larger crowds.
This year's edition will feature 104 matches, with up to eight games a day during the group stage and the Round of 32. Seven countries are set to make their debut, including Greece, Montenegro and Vietnam. China is also returning after a 21-year absence.
Teams already in Doha include Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, China and South Korea, with more expected in the coming days. Most matches will take place at the Aspire Zone, where fans can watch several games in a single day.
The US withdrawal comes amid broader geopolitical tensions in the region, but FIFA and Qatari officials have consistently underlined the safety of the event. The decision also highlights the complex interplay between sport and international politics, a theme that has resonated across Europe, where many national teams and fans will be closely watching the tournament.
