Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago O’Hare International Airport after arriving with the national squad, an Iraqi sporting official said.
The official, who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee and has close contacts with the team, said Hussein was later allowed into the United States. In addition, he said the player’s phone was inspected after arrival.
The same official said Iraq team photographer Talal Salah was held for more than 10 hours. He underwent similar phone checks and was denied entry into the United States.
The Iraqi Football Association and Hussein did not immediately comment. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Fans gathered at the airport in the early hours to welcome the Iraq squad. A social media video showed supporters holding flags and asking players for photos. This happened less than a week before the tournament began.
Hussein scored the goal that secured Iraq’s qualification for the World Cup. The 30-year-old leads the attack alongside Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn.
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Iraq are returning to the World Cup for the first time since their debut 40 years ago. They will face France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, starts on Thursday.
