FIFA has announced the Qatar 2026 Under-17 World Cup will kick off as scheduled, despite the US pullout over security fears.
US Soccer Federation decided on Thursday to cancel the team’s pre-tournament training camp and participation due to security concerns.
FIFA, however, said its security evaluations have not changed and there has been no new information about safety during the tournament.
“Safety and security of all players and spectators is absolutely sacrosanct,” FIFA said in a statement to Al Jazeera.
The FIH said it was staying in touch with the authorities and looking forward to the showpiece event starting in Qatar.
FIFA also referenced several recent international tournaments held in Qatar over the last couple of weeks, as part of its new confidence in the country.
Following the US’ move, its State Department issued a revised Level 3 travel advisory calling on US citizens to “reconsider travel to Qatar due to the risk of armed conflict.”
It will be a 48-team tournament from 19 November to 13 December. The US were drawn in Group J and were set to face Montenegro, Chile and Algeria.
Although it was removed, FIFA has revealed that the tournament will go ahead regardless.
