2026 World Cup: Iraqi Striker Detained For Seven Hours At Chicago Airport

Iraqi national team striker Aymen Hussein was detained for about seven hours by U.S. border officials at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

The detention occurred as the Iraqi squad arrived in the United States for the 2026 World Cup. Hussein was held for approximately seven hours while undergoing routine security screening and background checks.

He was eventually cleared to enter the U.S. and rejoined his teammates to prepare for the tournament.

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According to Kora Plus, several other Iraqi players experienced shorter entry delays of one to two hours, while the team’s photographer was denied entry following a phone inspection.

Merdhas Doski, who was held and questioned for approximately two hours. Zidane Iqbal, Youssef Amyn, Ibrahim Bayesh, Fahad Talib, Zaid Tahseen, and Hussein Ali, all of whom were detained for roughly one hour before being cleared.

Despite the rolling administrative delays at the airport, the entire group of players has successfully entered the United States.

The team is expected to move forward with their scheduled itinerary as football officials breathe a sigh of relief that the operational hiccup was resolved without further incident.

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The Iraqi Olympic Committee reported no immediate statements from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Department of Homeland Security regarding the interrogation.

This incident comes as Iraq prepares for their World Cup return after 40 years, set to play against France, Senegal, and Norway.