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A surprising incident has unsettled the preparations of the Iraq national football team as they gear up for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Upon arrival in the United States, the team’s key striker Ayman Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.

Reports indicate that the 30-year-old forward had travelled to the US with the Iraqi squad to commence their World Cup training camp. During his arrival, American authorities conducted an extensive interrogation. Although he was eventually permitted entry after the lengthy questioning, the episode created unease within the team just ahead of the tournament.

According to a senior Iraqi sports official, Ayman Hussein’s mobile phone was also checked during the investigation. Neither the Iraq Football Association nor the player himself issued any immediate official comment regarding the incident.

At the same time, similar action reportedly took place against the Iraqi national team’s photographer Talal Salah. Sources mention that Salah was detained for over ten hours and was allegedly denied entry into the United States following a detailed probe.

The matter has drawn widespread attention, as Ayman Hussein is considered one of the most vital members of Iraq’s current squad. He scored the crucial goal that secured Iraq’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup after a gap of four decades. His performance made him a national icon and one of the most celebrated figures in Iraqi football.

Despite the earlier setback, Ayman Hussein has now rejoined his teammates and resumed full training ahead of the competition.

Iraq finds itself in Group I for the FIFA World Cup 2026, alongside powerhouses such as France, Senegal, and Norway. The nation’s chances of advancing in this challenging group will rely heavily on Ayman Hussein’s experience and his strong goal-scoring prowess.