FIFA President Gianni Infantino says Qatar is safe to host the upcoming Under-17 World Cup, despite the United States withdrawing its team over security concerns.
Speaking to reporters in Doha on Thursday, Infantino said the decision was up to US Soccer but insisted other teams had nothing to fear.
“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 FIFA president added.
The tournament begins on 19 November, with teams already arriving in the Qatari capital.
US withdrawal leaves vacant spot
US Soccer informed players on Wednesday that it was withdrawing from the competition, citing security concerns in the Gulf region.
FIFA confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday but said its security assessment remained unchanged and that “no new developments affecting the security situation of the tournament have occured”.
“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 “as with all FIFA tournaments and events, we are in close contact with the relevant authorities and are looking forward to the tournament kick-off in Qatar.”
The United States had been due to face Montenegro, Chile and Algeria in Group J.
A replacement has yet to be announced, although local organisers expect an update soon.
“This is a FIFA decision, a FIFA competition,” said Jassim Al Jassim, CEO of Qatar’s Local Organising Committee, adding that “I think they will announce something within the next few days.”
Al Jassim said preparations were continuing as normal, with several teams already in Doha for training camps and friendly matches.
He pointed to other international events hosted in Qatar in recent weeks, including MotoGP and a United Nations technology conference.
“Everything is normal, business as usual for us,” he said.
Building on last year’s tournament
This is the second of five consecutive Under-17 World Cups Qatar will host through 2029.
During a visit to Aspire Zone on Thursday, Infantino praised the preparations for the tournament, which will bring together young players from six continents.
“Qatar is ready, FIFA is ready,” he said.
He highlighted the eight pitches that will host matches and encouraged fans to attend.
“Come to Qatar, come to Doha, enjoy the best young players in the world,” he said.
The competition expanded from 24 to 48 teams last year, with matches played across eight pitches at Aspire Zone.
Infantino admitted FIFA had been unsure how the format would work 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 said 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 competition is scheduled to feature 104 matches, with up to eight games a day during the group stage and 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 arrive ahead of kick-off
Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, China and South Korea are among the teams already in Doha, with more expected in the coming days.
Most matches will take place at Aspire Zone, where fans can watch several games in a single day.
Hosts Qatar begin their campaign against Panama on 19 November, while the final is scheduled for 13 December at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.