The United States has withdrawn from the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar because of security concerns.

What happened

In a letter to players and staff, reported on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, US Soccer said it had cancelled the team's pre-tournament camp and would no longer take part, citing a State Department travel advisory that places Qatar at Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict in the region. The federation said the well-being of its players and staff was its top priority.

Background

The tournament is due to begin on 19 November, just over a week after the announcement. It was not immediately clear how FIFA would replace the US team. Nigeria's under-17 women's team, the Flamingos, recently won the women's edition of the tournament in Morocco.

Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a poor start to the Premier League season.

Why he was sacked

United have won only one of their first 10 league matches, against Ipswich Town in August, leaving them in the relegation zone. Their other wins this season came in the Champions League. According to reports on Thursday, 12 November 2026, club executives met co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to finalise the decision. Carrick and his backroom staff are reportedly set to receive about £5 million in compensation.

Pochettino to take charge

Reports say the club lined up a replacement before ending Carrick's tenure, approaching US Soccer about releasing Mauricio Pochettino from his contract as head coach of the United States men's team. The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager is said to have agreed to take charge at Old Trafford. Releasing him from his US contract is reported to cost about £7 million.

Background

Carrick,, a former United midfielder, first stepped in after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last season and did well enough to earn a permanent two-year contract in May, having guided the club into the Champions League. His first full season in charge has fallen well short of that early promise.

What happens next

United have not yet officially confirmed Pochettino's appointment.

The Flamingos, Nigeria's under-17 women's football team, have been welcomed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after winning the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

The reception

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu received the players and officials on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, in what was described as a celebratory homecoming visit and the federal government's formal recognition of the team's achievement.

₦100 million each

During the visit, the First Lady announced that the President was giving each player a ₦100 million savings certificate. The money will be held in trust in designated bank accounts until each player turns 18, so the teenage champions will not have immediate access to it. The reward was extended to the coaching staff: the head coach will receive ₦100 million in cash and each member of the technical crew ₦50 million.

The win

The Flamingos beat Japan 2–1 in the final in Morocco on Saturday, 7 November, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, becoming the first African side to win the tournament. After losing their opening game to Poland, they won five matches in a row, including victories over defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil. The win means Nigeria has now won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men's and women's competitions.

Rewards

The Senate has also pledged ₦100 million to the team, and the players had earlier received $50,000 in cash. FIFA does not award prize money at this level, so rewards depend on governments and sponsors.

Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing terms with Mauricio Pochettino to take charge of the club.

What is reported

According to reports on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, the deal would only go ahead if United decide to sack their current head coach, Michael Carrick. No decision has been publicly announced, and the club has not commented.

Talks with US Soccer

According to further reports on Thursday, 12 November, United have contacted US Soccer about triggering a reported $10 million release clause in Pochettino's contract, and expect to spend about $2 million more to bring in his backroom staff. Senior executives reportedly met minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday and scheduled a formal meeting with Carrick for Thursday, after which he is widely expected to leave. United are 18th in the Premier League with just one league win this season.

Who is Pochettino

The Argentine has previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and was appointed head coach of the United States men's national team in September 2024.

Background

Carrick has come under growing pressure after a run of poor results, and senior figures at the club are reported to have met to discuss his future. Several candidates have been linked with the job in recent days.