US withdraws from U17 World Cup in Qatar over security fears

Manila Times - Nov 12, 2026

LOS ANGELES, United States — The United States withdrew Wednesday from the upcoming Under-17 soccer World Cup in Qatar due to concerns about security in the Middle East. Players were informed of the decision just over a week before the tournament is due to begin on November 19, in a letter sent by the sport's US governing body. "We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup pre-camp and our planned participation in the World Cup," said the letter, seen by AFP. "We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup. "Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances including the US State Department's Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. "The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority." The war in the Middle East began in February with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which retaliated by targeting, among others, Gulf countries allied with Washington. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have been punctuated by repeated threats from the United States and Israel to resume bombardments of Iran. Multiple sporting events in the Middle...

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Manila AQ Prime Assets dominates PCAP elims

Manila AQ Prime Assets dominated the elimination round of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP). Under the stewardship of team owner Atty. Aldwin Alegre and team manager Jojo Legaspi, Manila AQ Prime Assets delivered the most dominant elimination round campaign in PCAP history as the team swept the Alpha Division of the Wesley So Cup with a pristine 25-0 record, finishing as the only undefeated team in the league. From their opening-week routs against Mindoro (21-0), Laguna (19-2), and Pasig (17.5-3.5) to high-stakes clashes against title contenders like the San Juan Predators (14-7) and Toledo-Xignex Trojans (17-4), Manila proved virtually untouchable in the tournament. The International Master Ricardo de Guzman-led team capped the elimination round by rallying from a blitz deficit to defeat IIEE-PSME Quezon City Simba's Tribe (14-7) before shutting out OCM Cebu Niños in the rapid round for a 19.5-1.5 victory. With his stellar performance, De Guzman was named Most Valuable Player. The other members of the team are Grandmaster Mark Paragua, IM Eric Labog Jr., National Master Dale Bernardo, Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido, IM Ronald Dableo, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Fide Master Christian Mark Daluz and Indian import IM Padmini Rout. "Another proud moment for the Manila AQ Prime Assets squad. You've shown the chess world the true spirit of a fighter. We are all incredibly proud of you," Alegre said. Meanwhile, the members of the Manila team shifts their momentum from online dominance to the international over-the-board arena with the staging of the AQ Prime International Chess Open Championship on Nov. 18-24, 2026, at the Asian Institute of Tourism in Diliman, Quezon City. The AQ Prime tournament, held in partnership with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and under the auspices of the Asean Chess Confederation—will welcome local and international masters. The weeklong Fide-rated standard chess tournament features the Master Open (2000-above) and Challenger (1999-below) divisions. The 9-round Swiss System tournament underscores AQ Prime's commitment not only to championship-caliber team play, but also to creating world-class competitive platforms for Filipino chess talents.