At the airport in Chicago
World Cup striker probably detained for seven hours upon entry
June 7, 2026 – 12:47 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The Iraqi national team arrived in the United States on Saturday. However, entry was a test of patience for their striker. Another member of the delegation even had to turn back.
Shortly before the start of the World Cup, there were apparently problems with the Iraqi national team entering the USA. Goal scorer Aymen Hussein was particularly affected.
The Iraqi national team striker was detained and questioned for almost seven hours after his arrival at Chicago O’Hare Airport early Saturday morning. At least that’s what a sports official from the Iraqi Olympic Committee reported, who said he maintains close contact with the team.
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Hussein was finally allowed to enter. However, according to the official, team photographer Talal Salah was denied entry after he was detained for more than 10 hours and his cellphone was checked.
There was initially no statement from the Iraqi Football Association or from Hussein himself. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and the Department of Homeland Security did not initially respond to inquiries about the incident, which Iraqi media also reported on.
Hussein’s cell phone checked
According to the sports official, Hussein’s cell phone was checked after his arrival. Meanwhile, videos on social media showed fans greeting the team at the airport in the early hours of the morning. They waved flags and asked players for photos.
It is Iraq’s first participation in a World Cup since its debut 40 years ago. Hussein is considered a key figure in the team. The 30-year-old scored the goal that secured qualification for the finals.
Iraq will face France, Senegal and Norway in Group I. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins Thursday.