Iraq’s Aymen Hussein, a notable striker in the World Cup squad, underwent a nearly seven-hour interrogation upon arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare airport early on Saturday, as per an Iraqi sports official. Although Hussein was eventually granted access, the team’s photographer was denied entry into the United States, as confirmed by the official associated with the Iraqi Olympic Committee.
While there has been no immediate response from the Iraqi Football Association or Hussein himself, who played a pivotal role in securing the team’s qualification for the finals with a crucial goal, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security have not yet addressed inquiries regarding the reported interrogation, which has also been covered by Iraqi media.
Supporters gathered at the airport in the early morning hours to welcome the Iraqi squad, waving flags and requesting players to pose for photos shortly before the tournament’s commencement, as seen in videos circulated on social media. Following his arrival, Hussein had his phone inspected, according to the Iraqi official.
The official further stated, “The team’s photographer, Talal Salah, was detained for over 10 hours, subjected to similar phone examinations, and ultimately prohibited from entering the U.S.” Iraq is making a return to the World Cup after a 40-year hiatus since their inaugural appearance.
At 30 years old, Hussein spearheads a formidable attacking line that includes Ali Al-Hamadi from Ipswich Town, along with promising talents Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn. Iraq is set to compete against France, Senegal, and Norway in Group I of the tournament, which is jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and is set to kick off on Thursday.
