Iraqi forward held 7 hours at Chicago airport; photographer deported

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's national football team arrived in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, but at least two members of the delegation faced extended questioning upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Forward Hussein was held for more than seven hours before being allowed entry into the country. The team's official photographer, Talal Salah, was detained for more than 10 hours before being deported and sent back. Both men had traveled as members of Iraq's official World Cup delegation rather than as tourists. The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. No further details about the circumstances of the detentions or the deportation were immediately available.