Iraqi Star Striker Aymen Husein Detained and Questioned by US Immigration

Chicago. Iraq's star striker Aymen Husein, who reached the United States to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, has been taken into custody and interrogated by US immigration officials.

According to Iraqi sports officials, Husein was taken into custody immediately after landing at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and was questioned for about seven hours. US officials allowed him to enter the country only after a long interrogation with Husein, who scored a decisive goal to secure Iraq's place in the World Cup.

Although Husein was granted entry, the official photographer of the Iraqi national team, Talal Salah, has been denied entry into the United States. Salah was taken into custody for more than 10 hours at the airport and questioned.

According to an official closely monitoring the situation, Husein's mobile phone was also checked during the long interrogation. The official said, 'National team photographer Talal Salah was held for more than 10 hours, his phone was also checked, and ultimately he was not allowed to enter the United States.'

The Iraqi Football Association or the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security have not yet made any official comment on this incident. This incident comes to light just a few days before the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Videos shared on social media showed Iraqi supporters gathering at the airport early Saturday morning to welcome their national team. Fans were seen waving Iraqi flags and taking pictures with the players.

The Iraqi team is preparing to compete in the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. The main responsibility of the team rests on the shoulders of the 30-year-old star Husein, who will be accompanied by Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi and emerging talents Ali Jasim and Youssef Amin. Iraq, in Group 'I' of the World Cup, is scheduled to face France, Senegal, and Norway in the group stage matches.