The U.S. Soccer Federation crest during a match between the U.S. and Ecuador in March 2019. Photo: Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The U.S. men's soccer team postponed traveling to Qatar for a scheduled January training camp "due to the developing situation in the region," the U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Friday.
Context: A U.S. airstrike in Iraq this week killed Qasem Soleimani, one of Iran's most powerful commanders. Qatar, the first Arab nation set to host the World Cup for the 2022 games, rests in the Persian Gulf.
"In the meantime, we are working on alternative arrangements in preparation for the match against Costa Rica on February 1 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. We are working with the Qatar Football Association to find an opportunity in the near future for our team to experience Qatar’s world-class facilities and hospitality.”— the Federation's statement