FIFA confirmed on Thursday, November 12 that the United States Soccer Federation has withdrawn its U17 boys' national team from the World Cup, which starts next week in Qatar, for security reasons.
The American team was scheduled to face Montenegro in its first game on November 21 and was in the same group as Chile and Algeria.
FIFA said in a statement that the decision was made in light of the USA's level 3 travel warning, although the security situation has not changed and other sporting events have been held in Qatar this year without problems. However, under FIFA rules, the U.S. Soccer Federation will face a fine of at least 20,000 Swiss francs ($24,000) for withdrawing less than 30 days before the tournament. The American Football Association announced this decision to the players on Wednesday.