withdrawal

FIFA says its ‘security assessments’ for the 48-team tournament remain unchanged after US Soccer pulled out.

FIFA says the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar will kick off as scheduled on November 19, despite the United States’ decision to withdraw its team from the tournament.

US Soccer withdrew its national team citing safety concerns, but the sport’s global governing body, which is hosting the tournament in Qatar, confirmed on Thursday that its plans remain unchanged.

“The safety and security of all participants and fans remain paramount. As with all FIFA tournaments and events, we are in close contact with the relevant authorities and ‌‌‌‌are looking forward to the tournament kickoff in Qatar,” FIFA told Al Jazeera in a statement hours after the USA’s announcement.

“In recent months, Qatar has successfully hosted several international events,” it added.

Qatar hosted two major international tournaments in the past two weeks.

MotoGP’s Qatar Grand Prix was successfully held on 8 and the FIP Padel World Cup 2026 concluded on the same day.

With a week until the Under-17 World Cup kicks off, FIFA confirmed that its security assessments “remain unchanged” and that no new ⁠⁠⁠⁠developments affecting the security situation around the tournament have occurred.

“FIFA understands that US Soccer’s decision was made in light of the existing US ⁠⁠⁠⁠Level 3 travel advisory,” it said.

In a letter sent to players, the US Soccer Federation ⁠⁠⁠⁠said it was cancelling the team’s pre-tournament camp and its participation in the event “in light of current circumstances”, according to the Reuters news agency.

The US State Department updated its advisory for Qatar last month, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict.

The update referred to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on civilian ‌‌‌‌airports and critical infrastructure.

“The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority,” the US federation’s letter said.

The 48-team Under-17 tournament runs from November 19 to December 13. USA had been due ⁠⁠⁠⁠to open against Montenegro on November 21 before ⁠⁠⁠⁠facing Chile and Algeria in Group J.

Six in 10 Brits will experience ‘sun withdrawal’ after the clocks go back, with Spain, Greece and Portugal among the top autumn sun holiday destinations according to new research

Six in 10 Brits will experience ‘sun withdrawal’ now the clocks have gone back, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 45% long for warm temperatures as soon as they disappear, particularly following an unprecedented summer of sunshine.

The abrupt change has left almost three in 10 (29%) booking or planning a sunny autumn or winter escape amid fears of “sun withdrawal”. While 75% believe a week of guaranteed sun would positively affect their mood.

The all-inclusive holiday provider Club Med, which commissioned the research, marked the return to GMT by bringing a temporary dose of summer to London’s Southbank, installing a giant SAD lamp to brighten up the capital as the darker months set in.

The installation invited Londoners to take a moment out of their day, whether relaxing on a deck chair, soaking up the sunshine-inspired light or simply doing nothing for a few minutes.

The activation brought the all-inclusive’s ‘The Art of Free Time’ philosophy to life, highlighting the importance of taking time to switch off, both at home and on holiday.

Jérémie Hoss, managing director for Northern Europe & South Africa at the brand, said: “As the days get darker and daylight hours shrink, people are looking for ways to lift their spirits and make more time for themselves.

“Whether that’s finding little moments of calm closer to home or booking a winter escape to look forward to, making time for wellbeing becomes all the more important.

“We wanted to bring a much-needed dose of sunshine to Londoners when they need it most, and give people the freedom to switch off, recharge and spend their time exactly how they choose.”

The study also found the importance of daylight for Brits, with 83% considering access to natural daylight and sunshine important to their overall wellbeing, including 40% who described it as “very important”.

Long daylight hours were the one thing 26% would choose to enjoy all year round, ahead of warm temperatures (24%) and blue skies (16%). January was named the toughest month for mood and wellbeing by 35%, ahead of November (12%) and February (10%).

To lift spirits closer to home, 42% take walks outdoors during daylight hours, while 38% watch TV or films and 37% spend time with friends and family.

More than one in five (21%) research or plan holidays for a seasonal boost, while 19% go one step further and book a getaway, according to OnePoll figures.

Of those who knew where they would go for autumn sunshine, half would choose a destination for its warmth, while 33% prioritised relaxation and 32% wanted value for money.

More than three quarters (77%) agreed that having a holiday booked gives them something positive to look forward to during the winter months.

Guaranteed sunshine and warmth were cited as the biggest benefits of an autumn or winter getaway by 38%, while 36% wanted to escape darker days and evenings and 33% valued having something positive on the horizon.

When asked where they’d most like to escape to for an autumn sunshine boost, Spain took the top spot (41%), followed by Greece (28%), Portugal (27%), Sicily (24%) and the South of France (16%).

Cost and certainty also encourages booking a seasonal break, with more affordable prices (36%) the biggest incentive, followed by guaranteed warm weather (35%) and having plans to look forward to (31%).

To give Brits something extra to look forward to this winter, Club Med is offering the chance to win an all-inclusive holiday to the Seychelles, including flights, dining, drinks and activities.

The competition is open until 31 October, with entries submitted online.

Hoss added: “We’re seeing how much people value having something positive to look forward to during the darker months, and a winter escape can offer more than just a change of scenery.

“But planning a holiday shouldn’t add to the pressures of everyday life. We believe the real luxury is having the freedom to spend your time exactly as you choose.

“From exceptional dining to a wide choice of activities for all ages, every detail is designed to help guests leave the everyday behind, recharge in the sunshine and warmth and enjoy their holiday on their own terms.”

TOP 10 DESTINATIONS FOR AUTUMN SUNSHINE

1. Spain
2. Greece and the Greek Islands
3. Portugal
4. Sicily
5. South of France
6. Turkey
7. The Maldives
8. The Bahamas
9. Morocco
10. Thailand