FIFA President Praises Qatar After US Team Withdraws from Youth World Cup
Listen to the story
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has praised Qatar while commenting on the withdrawal of the United States team from the Under-17 World Cup.
Infantino spoke positively about Qatar's role as host of the youth tournament. FIFA organises this competition for young players around the world.
The United States recently withdrew its team from the tournament, which raised questions among fans and journalists about why the decision was made.
Reports linked the withdrawal to concerns about security in the region. Infantino responded directly to these worries.
He said that Doha, the capital of Qatar, is safe for everyone taking part in the event.
His comments were meant to calm fears after the American team's sudden exit from the competition.
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic is making its first-ever appearance at the Under-17 World Cup, which is being held in Qatar this year.
This marks an important moment for Dominican football, as the team joins other nations competing in the youth tournament.
FIFA has not given further details about the reasons behind the US withdrawal, but Infantino's remarks suggest the organisation wants to reassure other participating teams and the public about conditions in Doha.
Vocabulary8 words
- president
- the top leader of a group
- tournament
- a sports competition with many games
- withdrew
- left or stopped joining something
- security
- safety; keeping people safe from danger
- capital
- the main city of a country
- appearance
- a time when someone takes part in something
- concerns
- worries about something
- reassure
- to make someone feel less worried
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Quiz
Answer key
1. It is safe for everyone 2. Because it was unexpected and raised concerns 3. False
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has praised Qatar while commenting on the _____ of the United States team.
FIFA organises this _____ for young players around the world.
The United States recently _____ its team from the tournament.
Reports linked the withdrawal to concerns about _____ in the region.
He said that Doha, the _____ of Qatar, is safe for everyone.
His comments were meant to calm _____ after the American team's exit.
The Dominican Republic is making its first-ever _____ at the Under-17 World Cup.
FIFA wants to _____ other participating teams and the public about conditions in Doha.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think security concerns can affect international sports events?
- How important is it for tournament hosts to reassure teams about safety?
- What might be the impact on young players when a national team withdraws from a tournament?
- Why is it significant for a country to make its first appearance in a World Cup?
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