Iraq striker Aymen Hussein questioned at O'Hare Airport upon World Cup arrival
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 11:03 AM
Last updated Jun 8, 2026
Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare airport after arriving with the national team early on Saturday. An Iraqi sporting official reported that Hussein was eventually allowed to enter the United States, but the team's photographer faced a longer delay and was barred from entry. Iraq's participation marks the country’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
- •Aymen Hussein arrived with Iraq's national team on June 6, 2026.
- •He faced seven hours of questioning at O'Hare Airport.
- •The team's photographer was denied entry after over ten hours of processing.
- •Iraq returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
- 11:03 AMYahoo Sports — Iraq star Aymen Hussein held for ‘seven hours’ by US immigration days before World Cup
- 4:44 PMThe Guardian Sport — Iraq striker Aymen Hussein questioned for hours on US arrival for World Cup
"Iraq striker questioned for seven hours at O’Hare Team photographer denied entry after more 10 hours Iraq return to World Cup for first time since 1986 Iraq’s World Cup striker, Aymen Hussein, was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare airport after arriving with the squad early on Saturday, an Iraqi sporting official said. Hussein was finally allowed in, but the team’s photographer was barred from entering the United States, said the official who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee, but has close contacts with the team. Continue reading...
"Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours by US immigration officials just days before the start of the World Cup. The build-up to this tournament has been marked by heightened security around Iran’s matches, travel restrictions for some fans and ongoing debates over immigration enforcement at stadiums.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 11:03 AMIraq star Aymen Hussein held for ‘seven hours’ by US immigration days before World Cup
Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours by US immigration officials just days before the start of the World Cup. The build-up to this tournament has been marked by heightened security around Iran’s matches, travel restrictions for some fans and ongoing debates over immigration enforcement at stadiums.
- The Guardian SportJun 6, 2026, 4:44 PMIraq striker Aymen Hussein questioned for hours on US arrival for World Cup
Iraq striker questioned for seven hours at O’Hare Team photographer denied entry after more 10 hours Iraq return to World Cup for first time since 1986 Iraq’s World Cup striker, Aymen Hussein, was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare airport after arriving with the squad early on Saturday, an Iraqi sporting official said. Hussein was finally allowed in, but the team’s photographer was barred from entering the United States, said the official who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee, but has close contacts with the team. Continue reading...
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