Iraq striker questioned for seven hours upon arrival in US

Aymen Hussein, a key forward for the Iraqi national football team, faced a lengthy interrogation lasting nearly seven hours upon his arrival at Chicago airport. The player was subjected to an extensive questioning session by U.S. authorities as the Iraqi delegation arrived for the World Cup.

While Hussein was eventually permitted to enter the United States, the team's official photographer was not. According to an individual close to the Iraqi team, the photographer was detained for over ten hours before being denied entry altogether. Both Hussein's and the photographer's mobile phones were reportedly inspected during the ordeal.

No official statements have been released regarding the incident by the Iraqi Football Federation or Aymen Hussein himself. Hussein is a crucial player for Iraq, having scored the goal that secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The team, which includes players like Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Jassim, and Youssef Amyn, is set to compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway. The World Cup is scheduled to begin on Thursday in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.