2026 World Cup: Player detained for several hours and photographer sent back by customs to the United States, the Iraqi national team is living a nightmare

Just days before its opening match at the 2026 World Cup, Iraq is already experiencing a nightmare. Star striker Aymen Hussein was detained for nearly seven hours upon his arrival in Chicago, while the team's official photographer, Talal Salah, was denied entry despite having a valid visa.

Iraq's preparation for the 2026 World Cup is far from smooth sailing. Like its Iranian neighbor, the Iraqi national team is facing several administrative and security challenges in the United States, the host country of the competition.

The latest incident involves Aymen Hussein. The Iraqi international striker (90 caps, 32 goals) was subjected to lengthy questioning upon his arrival at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. According to reports in The Guardian, the Iraqi goalscorer was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours after landing with the Iraqi delegation early Saturday morning.

According to several Arab media outlets, US authorities mistook him for another Iraqi national. This situation has sparked outrage. The attacker was allegedly treated "as if he were a terrorist!" several media outlets in the region denounced.

After seven hours of waiting and security checks, Hussein was finally allowed to enter the United States. A relief for Iraq, which relies heavily on its star striker. A true national hero, the Al-Karma player had secured qualification for the Lions of Mesopotamia by scoring the winning goal against Bolivia (2-1) in the intercontinental playoffs. This historic victory allowed Iraq to return to the World Cup for the first time since the 1986 edition held in Mexico.

Iraq deprived of its official photographer, expelled by customs

The difficulties faced by the Iraqi delegation did not end with the case of Aymen Hussein. The team's official photographer, Talal Salah, also faced particularly restrictive treatment from the American authorities.

As a member of the Iraqi delegation, he was detained for approximately twelve hours before being refused entry into the United States, even though he had a valid visa and official accreditation issued by FIFA.

Forced to leave the United States, Talal Salah then embarked on a long journey back to Iraq. On his Instagram account, he explained that he left Chicago for Madrid, before a second stop in Cairo, Egypt, and then a final return to Baghdad.

The team will still be able to count on its star striker, finally allowed to enter the country, but will be without its official photographer. The Lions of Mesopotamia will begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Norway before facing France on June 22 and then Senegal on June 26 in Group I.