Iraq’s star striker Aymen Hussein finally admitted to US after seven hours of screening

BAGHDAD — Iraq international Aymen Hussein was admitted to the United States after roughly seven hours of additional security screening, while the national team’s official photographer was denied entry and returned to Baghdad, a source in contact with the Iraqi delegation told 964media.

The Iraqi embassy in Washington confirmed Sunday that all 62 members of the delegation entered the US on June 5 except for two individuals subjected to additional immigration procedures. It said procedures for one were eventually completed while the other could not enter “for reasons related to immigration procedures and regulations.” The embassy did not name either individual.

The source identified the two as Hussein and photographer Talal Salah, with Hussein ultimately admitted and Salah returned to Baghdad. The embassy stressed that entry decisions fall within the purview of US immigration authorities “which are an independent body that applies relevant laws, standards and procedures to everyone, and its decisions are not subject to intervention by any other party.”

964media contacted national team spokesperson Salam al-Mansouri for comment but received no response.

The incident comes weeks after Iraqi football officials denied reports that players had been refused US visas ahead of the World Cup. On May 13, Mansouri told 964media that “no players have been rejected or denied visas yet,” describing such reports as “fake news.”

Iraq qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final in Monterrey on March 31, securing the country’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years and only its second overall after Mexico 1986. Iraq face Norway, France and Senegal in Group I, with the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.