Iraq World Cup striker Hussein questioned for hours at Chicago airport: Reuters
CBP said the questioning was a routine vetting step, and the team photographer was denied entry because of classified information.
- On Saturday, Iraq World Cup striker Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare airport after arriving with the squad, an Iraqi sporting official said.
- Iraq is returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years, arriving in the United States with Hussein leading a potent frontline.
- 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.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Homeland Security Department did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the reported questioning in Chicago.
- The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins Thursday, with Iraq facing France, Senegal, and Norway in Group I.
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Aymen Hussein, forward for the Iraqi national football team, was questioned by US border police for seven hours on Saturday before being allowed into the country.
Talal Salah, the official photographer of the Iraqi selection, also underwent longer checks upon his arrival in the United States. The local authorities finally told him that he had to return to Iraq.
Shortly before the World Cup, entry to the USA becomes a problem. Iraq striker Aymen Hussein is questioned for hours, a team photographer is rejected.
Iraq's Team Photographer Denied Entry Into the US Ahead of the World Cup
The official photographer for the Iraq national football team, Talal Salah, was detained for 10 hours when trying to enter the United States with the rest of the Iraqi team and staff. Salah was eventually denied entry to the U.S. ahead of the 2026 World Cup, meaning the team will be without its official photographer for its first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
Problems at World Championships 2026 to join the US: Hussein blocked 7 hours at the airport, Iran will only stay on game day
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