Aymen Hussein was detained for 7 hours before being released to enter the country
Iraqi national team striker Aymen Hussein was detained and interrogated for around 7 hours upon landing at O’Hare airport in Chicago, USA, this Saturday (June 6, 2026), for the World Cup. The information comes from the Reuters news agency.
After interrogation and an inspection of his phone, Hussein was released, but the team’s photographer, Talal Salah, was not allowed to enter the country. The player and the Iraqi Football Federation have not yet commented on the matter.
“National team photographer Talal Salah was detained for more than 10 hours, subjected to similar checks on his phone, and ultimately denied entry into the United States,” said an Iraqi official.
According to the agency, the eo did not respond to messages requesting a position on the interrogation, which was also reported by the Iraqi media.
Videos published on social media show that before the seizure, Iraqi fans went to the airport to welcome the team, holding flags and asking for photos with the players.
This is the first time, after 40 years, that the country participates in the World Cup. This year, the tournament is co-organized by the USA, Canada and Mexico, with games in all 3 countries.
