Aymen Hussein, the 30-year-old striker who scored the goal that clinched Iraq's return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence, spent nearly seven hours in questioning after landing at Chicago's O'Hare early Saturday morning. Team officials say U.S. officers inspected his phone while teammates and a crowd of supporters waited in the terminal, and that the delegation's photographer later faced a separate, even longer detention before being denied entry. The delay rattled the welcome party but ultimately did not derail the team's U.S. preparations.
What happened at O'Hare
An Iraqi sporting official told Reuters that Hussein was separated from the delegation and held for nearly seven hours at O'Hare while officials questioned him and inspected his phone. According to the official, national team photographer Talal Salah was detained for more than 10 hours, underwent similar phone checks and was ultimately denied entry to the United States. Fans and some teammates remained at the terminal throughout the delay, the official added.
How border device searches work
U.S. authorities have wide latitude to inspect electronic devices at airports and other ports of entry, and civil-liberties groups say those checks have become more common in recent years. As the American Civil Liberties Union explains, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can carry out basic manual searches of phones or laptops without individualized suspicion, and can detain devices for additional forensic review under certain conditions. CBP's own guidance outlines these procedures and notes that more advanced or forensic searches generally require managerial approval and a stated basis, and that copies of data may be retained in specific circumstances.
Why this matters for the World Cup
The episode underscores how routine security procedures at busy hubs like O'Hare can slow down even high-profile delegations arriving ahead of major tournaments. The Guardian reports that fans gathered at the airport to greet the squad while officials handled the questioning. Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 and will face France, Senegal and Norway in Group I, making smooth arrival and preparation especially important for the team.
Practical takeaway for travelers and teams
Privacy and tech groups advise travelers to carry as little data as possible and, when they can, to use travel-only devices, since inspections can take hours and electronics may be held for additional review. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's traveler guide and ACLU resources offer step-by-step precautions, from backing up information to separating sensitive work material, for anyone crossing borders with phones or laptops. Iraqi officials say Hussein was eventually released and rejoined the squad, and the incident is likely to sharpen scrutiny around arrivals for other delegations over the coming days.
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