Iraq’s Aymen Hussein celebrates scoring their second objective towards Bolivia on the Fifa Inter-Confederation Playoffs Remaining, Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico – March 31, 2026. — Reuters
BAGHDAD: Iraq’s World Cup striker, Aymen Hussein, was held and questioned for practically seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare airport after arriving with the squad early on Saturday, an Iraqi sporting official mentioned.
Hussein was lastly allowed in, however the crew’s photographer was barred from coming into the USA, mentioned the official who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee, however has shut contacts with the crew.
There was no fast remark from the Iraqi Soccer Affiliation, or from Hussein, a talismanic determine who scored the objective that secured the crew’s qualification for the finals.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Homeland Safety Division didn’t instantly reply to messages in search of touch upon the reported questioning that was additionally lined by Iraqi media.
Followers got here out within the early hours of the morning to greet the Iraq squad on the airport, holding flags and asking gamers to pose for footage lower than every week earlier than the beginning of the event, video on social media confirmed.
Hussein’s cellphone was inspected after he arrived, the Iraqi official mentioned.
“National team photographer Talal Salah was held for more than 10 hours, underwent similar phone checks, and was ultimately denied entry into the United States,” the official added.
Iraq are returning to the World Cup for the primary time since making their debut 40 years in the past.
Hussein, 30, leads a potent frontline that additionally options Ipswich City’s Ali Al-Hamadi and proficient kids Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn.
Iraq face France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.
The event being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico will get beneath method on Thursday.
