Iraqi forward Aymen Hussein was taken into custody at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport after his flight touched down, spending almost seven hours in secondary inspection before he was finally allowed to continue.
The delay was not an isolated episode; the team's photographer, Talal Salah, was held for more than ten hours and subsequently denied entry to the United States, leaving the squad without a visual record of their arrival.
Airport Turmoil
Hussein, who has been a mainstay for Iraq since 2015, has netted 33 goals in 93 appearances and famously struck the decisive goal in the play‑off victory over Bolivia that secured the nation's spot in the tournament.
Iraq's qualification marks a milestone, ending a 38‑year absence from the World Cup and placing the team in Group I alongside Norway, France and Senegal, with the first match slated for June 16.
World Cup Return
The incident has drawn attention from football's governing body, prompting a brief statement from FIFA that underscores the importance of smooth travel for participants in global competitions.
While the players and staff remain focused on upcoming fixtures, the episode raises questions about airport procedures and the treatment of international athletes during periods of heightened scrutiny.
Airport officials explained that heightened security protocols, combined with routine immigration checks, contributed to the extended detentions, though they stopped short of attributing any bias to the process.
Nevertheless, the prolonged holds have sparked criticism from fans and commentators who worry that such setbacks could distract from the team's preparation for the tournament.
For a country that last appeared on football's biggest stage in 1986, the 2026 edition represents more than a return; it is an opportunity to showcase a new generation of talent and to rekindle national pride.
Matches against Norway, France and Senegal will test Iraq's resolve, but the squad hopes that the experience gained from recent qualifiers will translate into competitive performances on the world stage.