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Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for about seven hours after arriving with the team at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport early on Saturday (June 6), Reuters reported, citing an Iraqi Olympic Committee official. Iraq’s national team has arrived in the United States for the World Cup, its second appearance since the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
Hussein was eventually allowed to enter after questioning, but the national team photographer was denied entry into the United States, the Iraqi sports official said, adding that the man had close ties to the team.
Iraq made history in March by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental play-off final to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup. However, Hussein scored the winning goal in that match.
Fans came out to welcome the Iraqi team at the airport in the morning, waving flags and asking to take pictures with the players, according to Reuters.
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According to the Iraqi official, the team’s photographer, Talal Salah, was detained for more than 10 hours, his phone was also checked, and he was ultimately not allowed to enter the United States.
Iraq will face France, Senegal, and Norway in Group I as they return to the World Cup for the first time since their debut 40 years ago.
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