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The Iranian soccer federation says FIFA has pulled ticket allocations for its World Cup games in the United States, citing political pressure. At the same time, visa disputes have blocked a Somali referee, an Iraqi photographer and a national striker, raising broader concerns about access for fans and staff.
Aymen Hussein spent nearly seven hours in secondary inspection at O'Hare International Airport while arriving for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and photographer Talal Salah was denied entry after a lengthy interrogation. The incidents occur as Iraq prepares for its first World Cup appearance since 1986, facing a challenging Group I that includes Norway, France and Senegal.
The Iranian national side arrived in Tijuana under a cloud of visa uncertainty, with several members denied entry, while Iraq's striker Aymen Hussein was detained in Chicago, highlighting a broader diplomatic strain.
Iraqi forward Aymen Hussein and team photographer Talal Salah faced prolonged detentions at Chicago's O'Hare, casting a shadow over the nation's historic return to the 2026 World Cup.
Aymen Hussein, Iraq's leading World Cup striker, spent nearly seven hours under questioning at O'Hare International Airport before being allowed entry, while photographer Talal Salah was denied entry after a prolonged inspection. Their experiences underscore the heightened scrutiny facing the team as it prepares for its first World Cup appearance in four decades.