The detention of Iraqi national team striker Ayman Hussein for several hours at Chicago airport sparked controversy and concern in Iraqi sports circles before the circumstances became clear.
Sports journalist Ali Nouri revealed details of what happened via his account on the "X" platform, explaining that the security authorities at Chicago airport detained Ayman Hussein for seven consecutive hours after the Iraqi national team delegation arrived in the United States.
Nouri said: "The Iraqi delegation arrived in the United States at 1:00 AM and all members of the mission left the airport except for Ayman Hussein, who was investigated and questioned by the competent authorities."
He added: “The immigration authorities at Chicago airport released Ayman Hussein after completing all the questions and procedures related to him. No party had a role in his release, nor did they know the nature of the questions directed at him during his detention, before he left the airport heading to the Iraqi national team’s residence.”
The Iraqi national team will begin its journey in the 2026 World Cup by facing the Norwegian national team on June 16 at Boston Stadium, in a match that represents an important step in the race to qualify for the next round.
The "Lions of Mesopotamia" will then face a very difficult test when they meet the French national team on June 22 at Philadelphia Stadium, before concluding the group stage competitions with a match against the Senegalese national team on June 26 at Toronto Stadium.
