Iraq striker Aymen Hussein, who scored the decisive goal that secured his nation's first World Cup qualification in 40 years, was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport after arriving with the squad early on Saturday, according to an Iraqi sporting official.
Details of the incident
The official, who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee but has close ties to the team, confirmed that Hussein was eventually allowed entry. However, the team's photographer, Talal Salah, was barred from entering the United States after being detained for more than 10 hours and subjected to similar phone inspections.
There was no immediate comment from the Iraqi Football Association or from Hussein, a talismanic figure whose goal against Vietnam in a qualifier secured Iraq's spot in the 2026 World Cup finals. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Homeland Security Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reported questioning, which was also covered by Iraqi media.
Fan reception and team background
Social media videos showed fans gathering in the early hours of the morning to greet the Iraqi squad at the airport, waving flags and asking players for photos, less than a week before the tournament begins.
Iraq is returning to the World Cup for the first time since their debut in 1986. Hussein, 30, leads a potent frontline that also includes Ipswich Town's Ali Al-Hamadi and talented youngsters Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn. Iraq will face France, Senegal, and Norway in Group I.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on Thursday.
