Iraqi World Cup striker Aymen Hussein detained 7 hours at Chicago airport
Iraqi national team striker Aymen Hussein was detained and interrogated for nearly seven hours by U.S. authorities upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The team had flown in from Spain for a World Cup preparation match. Hussein, who scored the decisive goal securing Iraq's first World Cup qualification in 40 years, was reportedly held due to a name mix-up. He was eventually released and rejoined the squad. The team's photographer was also detained and denied entry. The incident has sparked outrage in Arab media.
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Iraqi Expats in US Vow to Recreate Baghdad Atmosphere for World Cup Match vs Norway
Iraqi expatriates in the United States have pledged to create a vibrant, home-like atmosphere for the Iraqi national team during their World Cup match against Norway in Boston. This comes after the Iraqi team returned to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, only for many fans and journalists to be denied US visas. Despite administrative barriers, the large Iraqi diaspora community—estimated at over 150,000, mainly between Michigan and Chicago—promises to fill the stadium with up to 50,000 supporters. The article highlights the emotional significance for Iraq, a nation that endured war and hardship. Star striker Ayman Hussein was interrogated for seven hours at Chicago Airport, and the team's official photographer was denied entry. Head coach Graham Arnold focuses on the positive aspects of participation. Fans like Abdullah and Naban express determination to support the team, hoping for a miracle against strong group opponents (Norway, France, Senegal).
虎扑 - 足球Iraqi Diaspora Promises 'Baghdad-like' Atmosphere at World Cup Match Against Norway After US Visa Denials
The Iraqi national team returns to the World Cup after 40 years, but fans faced systematic US visa refusals. To compensate, the Iraqi diaspora in the US pledges to create a massive atmosphere in Boston for the match against Norway on June 16-17, 2026, making the team feel 'like in Baghdad.' Over 150,000 Iraqis live in the US, with many in Michigan and Chicago. The team faced earlier travel issues including a photographer turned away and star striker Aymen Hussein interrogated for 7 hours at Chicago airport. Iraqi supporters express frustration but vow to fill Foxborough Stadium with 40,000-50,000 fans. The team is in a difficult Group I with Norway, France, and Senegal, but fans believe in miracles. Coach Graham Arnold avoids controversy, focusing on the positive experience of being at the World Cup.
Home Football - actualitésNorwegian Coach Calls Out Hypocrisy Over 2026 World Cup Controversies
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Norwegian coach Staale Solbakken criticized what he called general 'hypocrisy' surrounding the tournament's political context. His comments came after Iraqi star striker Aymen Hussein was detained for seven hours by US customs and border police at Chicago airport upon arrival with the Iraqi team. Solbakken, speaking at a press conference in Greensboro, North Carolina, noted that the host country is at war with another nation (Iran) and that such incidents are unnecessary. He acknowledged that while many things could have been done differently, the World Cup is being organized and the focus remains on playing football. Norway, playing its first World Cup since 1998, will face Iraq on June 16, followed by Senegal and France.
Home Football - actualitésIraqi World Cup Team Faces Entry Ordeal: Star Player Detained, Photographer Deported by US Customs
Days before the 2026 World Cup, the Iraqi national team faced severe administrative difficulties upon arrival in the United States. Star striker Aymen Hussein was detained for nearly seven hours at Chicago O'Hare airport after US authorities reportedly confused him with another Iraqi national. He was eventually allowed entry. However, the team's official photographer, Talal Salah, was detained for approximately twelve hours and then refused entry despite holding a valid visa and official FIFA accreditation. He was forced to return to Iraq via Madrid and Cairo. The incidents have caused outrage in Arab media, with Hussein reportedly treated 'as if he were a terrorist.' Iraq, making its first World Cup appearance since 1986, will begin Group I play on June 17 against Norway, followed by matches against France and Senegal.
Home Football - actualitésIraq World Cup star Aymen Hussein questioned for seven hours by U.S. immigration officials
Iraq national team striker Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on June 5, 2026. The player, a key member of Iraq's first World Cup squad in 40 years, had his mobile phone inspected before being granted entry. However, the team's photographer was denied entry due to vetting concerns. The incident occurred as the Iraqi team arrived for a warm-up match against Venezuela ahead of their World Cup group stage games in Group I against Norway, France, and Senegal. CBP stated that all travelers are subject to inspection and that admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. The Iraq Football Association and FIFA have been contacted for comment.
Soccer - The AthleticIraq World Cup star Aymen Hussein questioned for seven hours by U.S. immigration officials
Iraq national football team striker Aymen Hussein, vice-captain and key player, was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on June 5, 2026. He was traveling with his teammates and staff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hussein's mobile phone was inspected before he was eventually granted entry. However, the team's photographer was denied entry due to vetting concerns. CBP stated that additional inspections are routine and that admissibility decisions are made case-by-case. Iraq is scheduled to play a warm-up match against Venezuela in Bridgeview, Illinois, before opening their World Cup campaign against Norway in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 16, as part of Group I alongside France and Senegal.
Soccer - The AthleticIraq World Cup star Aymen Hussein questioned for seven hours by U.S. immigration officials
Iraq national team striker and vice-captain Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials for nearly seven hours upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on June 5, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hussein, a key player for Iraq, had his mobile phone inspected before being allowed entry into the United States. However, the team's photographer was denied entry due to vetting concerns. CBP stated that all travelers, including athletes and staff, are subject to routine inspection and admissibility determinations on a case-by-case basis. Iraq is scheduled to play a warm-up match against Venezuela in Bridgeview, Illinois, before beginning their World Cup campaign against Norway in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 16. The incident occurred amid geopolitical tensions that had previously raised concerns about Iraq's participation in their first World Cup in 40 years.
Soccer - The AthleticIraq World Cup Star Aymen Hussein Detained for Hours at US Border
Iraqi national team striker Aymen Hussein, who scored the decisive goal securing Iraq's first World Cup berth in 40 years, was detained and interrogated for nearly seven hours by US border authorities upon arrival at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. The 30-year-old forward had his cell phone searched before being allowed entry. However, the team's photographer, Talal Salah, was held for over ten hours and ultimately denied entry entirely. The incident raised concerns about Iraq's World Cup participation, as Hussein is considered a key player. Iraq is set to face Norway, France, and Senegal in Group I of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
BILD - SportIraq World Cup Star Aymen Hussein Detained for Hours at US Border
Iraqi national team striker Aymen Hussein, who secured Iraq's spot in the 2026 World Cup, was detained and interrogated for nearly seven hours by US border guards upon arrival at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. His cell phone was searched before he was eventually allowed entry. However, the team's photographer, Talal Salah, was held for over ten hours and ultimately denied entry to the United States. The incident comes as Iraq prepares for its first World Cup appearance in 40 years, with the team set to face Norway, France, and Senegal in Group I. Hussein is considered a key player for the Iraqi squad.
BILD - SportIraq national team photographer detained 10 hours at Chicago airport and deported
Talal Salah, the official photographer for the Iraqi national football team, was detained for over 10 hours at Chicago O'Hare International Airport during the 2026 World Cup. He was interrogated, had his cell phone checked by US authorities, and was ultimately denied entry and deported back to Baghdad. This incident follows a similar detention of Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein, who was held for nearly seven hours but eventually allowed into the United States. The Iraqi Olympic Committee confirmed the details, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of Iraqi team members by US border officials.
RecordIraq Striker Aymen Hussein Interrogated for Hours Upon US Arrival
The Iraq national football team has arrived in the United States for a World Cup preparation friendly against Venezuela, scheduled for next Wednesday. However, the team's arrival was marred by a serious incident: striker Aymen Hussein, who scored the decisive goal in the playoff that secured Iraq's World Cup berth, was subjected to a lengthy interrogation lasting up to seven hours by American authorities upon landing at Chicago airport. The team had flown in from Spain, where they played a friendly against La Roja (1-1). According to Iraqi media and French outlet L'Équipe, the 30-year-old forward was finally released and allowed to join the rest of the squad. Iraq will debut in the World Cup on June 17 against Norway.
FútbolIraq striker Aymen Hussein questioned for hours on US arrival for World Cup
Iraq's World Cup striker Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport upon arriving with the Iraqi national team on Saturday, according to an Iraqi Olympic Committee official. Hussein was eventually allowed entry into the United States, but the team's photographer, Talal Salah, was held for over ten hours, subjected to phone inspections, and ultimately denied entry. The incident occurred less than a week before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Iraq is returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, with Hussein being a key player who scored the decisive goal securing qualification. The team is set to face France, Senegal, and Norway in Group I. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Homeland Security Department did not immediately comment on the reported questioning.
Football | The GuardianIraqi Football Star Aymen Hussein Detained and Interrogated for 7 Hours at Chicago Airport
Iraqi international footballer Aymen Hussein was detained and interrogated for seven hours by U.S. authorities upon arrival at Chicago airport with the Iraqi national team. The detention was reportedly due to a name mix-up with another Iraqi citizen. The Arab press expressed outrage, describing the treatment as 'as if he were a terrorist.' Despite efforts by the Iraqi leadership to secure his release, the delegation was forced to proceed to their hotel without him. Hussein gained hero status in Iraq after scoring the decisive goal against Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff, securing Iraq's first World Cup qualification in 40 years.
RecordIraqi Footballer Ayman Hussein Detained for 7 Hours at US Airport
Iraqi national team forward Ayman Hussein was detained and questioned by US security and immigration authorities at Chicago airport for approximately seven hours upon arrival with his team. While all other delegation members passed through smoothly, Hussein was held alone for further questioning. Reports indicate that a total of eight Iraqi players are under US security review. The specific reasons for the detention have not been disclosed, though some media suggest possible identity confusion. No US official has provided a clear explanation. Hussein was eventually released after completing standard procedures, without any external intervention, and has rejoined the team to prepare for upcoming matches. The incident has drawn attention from Iraqi fans and media.
虎扑 - 足球Iraq striker Aymen Hussein questioned for hours by US authorities upon arrival in Chicago for World Cup
Iraq national team striker Aymen Hussein was subjected to a lengthy interrogation lasting nearly seven hours by American authorities upon the team's arrival in Chicago from Spain, where they had been preparing for the 2026 World Cup. The 30-year-old forward, who scored the decisive goal in Iraq's intercontinental play-off against Bolivia to secure World Cup qualification, was detained long after his teammates had cleared customs and were greeted by fans. The Iraqi Federation has not yet issued an official statement. Iraq is in France's group for the World Cup, which begins June 11, and will face France on June 22. The team has a preparation match scheduled against Venezuela on June 10 in Chicago.
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