Star Striker Aymen Hussein Questioned at Chicago O'Hare
Iraq's top football player, 30-year-old forward Aymen Hussein, was detained and interrogated by US border officials at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The incident occurred as the Iraqi delegation arrived to prepare for the World Cup group stage—a milestone for the team, which has qualified for the tournament for only the second time in history and the first since 1986.
Hussein, who plays for Qatari club Al-Khor, spent nearly seven hours in questioning. During the inspection, American officers examined his mobile phone. Despite the detention, he was ultimately allowed entry into the United States, clearing the way for him to compete in the tournament.
Team Photographer Also Detained, Then Deported
Meanwhile, Iraq's official team photographer, Talal Salah, was held in the border control area for over ten hours. His phone was also seized and inspected. Unlike Hussein, Salah was denied entry and deported from the country.
Iraq's national team will compete in Group I of the World Cup, facing off against France, Senegal, and Norway. This tournament holds immense significance for the Iraqi players, who are eager to prove themselves on the global stage. Notably, in recent weeks, a Swiss national team player was also denied entry to the US just before the World Cup, highlighting growing tensions and scrutiny during preparations for this major sporting event.
The detention of Aymen Hussein underscores the challenges athletes face during international competitions, particularly amid heightened security and immigration checks. - Source: Sports News
Despite the prolonged interrogation, Hussein's ability to play in the World Cup remains a crucial boost for the Iraqi team, which seeks to rebuild its reputation on the international sports scene. The case of photographer Salah also highlights the potential risks for delegation members accompanying teams to major tournaments.
The recent detention of Aymen Hussein at the US border highlights ongoing challenges faced by Iraqi athletes during international events. This incident comes on the heels of another troubling development, where five players from Iraq's national team were denied visas ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. As the team prepares to make its mark, these hurdles raise concerns about the implications for their participation and performance on the world stage.