Iraq World Cup Player Questioned At O'Hare, Photographer Denied Entry: Report

CHICAGO — Two members of Iraq's World Cup delegation underwent additional immigration procedures last Saturday at O'Hare International Airport, with one later allowed into the United States and another denied entry.

Shafaq News, citing informed sources, identified the two delegation members as Iraq striker Aymen Hussein and national team photographer Talal Salah. Shafaq News is an Iraq-based digital news agency that covers Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, the Middle East and international news

Hussein underwent several hours of screening and questioning at O’Hare International Airport before he was allowed into the United States, according to Shafaq News. Salah was denied entry, the outlet reported.

Hussein, 30, is one of Iraq's most prominent players and is expected to lead the country's attack in its first World Cup appearance in 40 years.

A striker for Al-Karma in the Iraq Stars League, Hussein has scored more than 30 goals for Iraq's national team and delivered the decisive goal that helped send Iraq back to the World Cup.

Reuters is reporting fans were at the airport early Saturday to greet the Iraq squad. According to the media outlet, fans were holding flags and asking players to ‌pose ⁠for pictures.

The team, which is set to open World Cup play on June 16 versus Norway at Boston Stadium, is in the area for a friendly versus Venezuela. The two international squads are set to face off Tuesday night at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

The Iraqi Embassy said Iraq's World Cup delegation included 62 people and that it had been working recently with the U.S. State Department and other authorities to help facilitate the team’s arrival.

The embassy said entry procedures were completed for one of the two delegation members, while the other was denied entry for reasons tied to U.S. immigration regulations, Shafaq News reported.

The embassy also said entry decisions fall largely under the authority of U.S. immigration officials, who apply relevant laws and procedures independently.

The Iraqi national team arrived in Chicago after completing a training camp in Spain ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Shafaq News reported. Iraq is making its first World Cup appearance since 1986 and is set to compete in Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.

Hussein's rise has carried added resonance in Iraq because of his personal history: his father was killed during years of violence in the country, and his brother was kidnapped by the Islamic State, according to published reports.