Timbers Academy's Akil Watts named to U.S. roster for FIFA U-17 World Cup

PORTLAND, Ore. – U.S. U-17 National Team head coach John Hackwork today named a 21-player roster for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, and included in that roster is Portland Timbers Academy defender Akil Watts.

Watts, who had been called in for each of the last three preparatory camps under Hackworth, is one of 12 players representing MLS academies on the roster.

The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup takes place in India from Oct. 6-28. In Group A, the United States will face host India (Oct. 6, 7:30 a.m. PT), Ghana (Oct. 9, 4:30 a.m. PT) and Colombia (Oct. 12, 7:30 a.m. PT) in the Group Stage. All three group stage matches will be broadcast live on FS2 and UNIVERSO.

A total of 24 countries participate in the tournament with the top two teams from each of the six groups, as well as the four best third-place teams, advance to the Round of 16 on Oct. 16-18. The championship and third-place matches take place Saturday, Oct. 28.

The U.S. U-17s depart for pre-World Cup training in Dubai on Sept. 24.

A squad overflowing with talent 💦.

The U-17 #USMNT is ready to take on the world in India » https://t.co/6Fp8LR3N9M pic.twitter.com/86AYxeNYNg

— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) September 21, 2017