Iraq's key player Hussein questioned for nearly seven hours upon entry to USA for World Cup

Hussein is the striker who scored the decisive goal for the Iraqi team in the playoff match against Bolivia, securing the country's qualification for a World Cup finals for the first time since 1986. His family background is closely tied to the conflict in Iraq. According to the Guardian, his father was killed by the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda in 2008. His brother was reportedly abducted by the so-called Islamic State (IS) and is still considered missing to this day.

Family tragedy and love of football

The Iraqi fans who had gathered at the airport on Saturday to welcome their team therefore experienced an emotional return of their players. However, not all members of the delegation were granted entry. Team photographer Talal Salah was denied entry to the USA, without the authorities citing any reasons, according to the Guardian. Salah was held for more than ten hours, longer than Hussein, before he was turned away and had to return to Iraq.

The US authorities defended their actions by citing applicable law. A CBP spokesperson told the New York Times, "CBP officers are authorized to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility in accordance with US law." The decision on admissibility is made "on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection."

Restrictive US entry practices ahead of the World Cup

The incident throws a spotlight on the already tense entry practices in the USA ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Soccer fans from a total of 50 countries on the US list of heightened entry restrictions must post a bond of up to $15,000 upon entry. Anyone coming from one of the 50 countries on the US list of heightened entry restrictions must post a bond of up to $15,000 upon entry.

For the duration of the World Cup, fans from the five African countries that have qualified for the finals in North America and are on the list are exempt from the bond. These are Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia. Citizens of these countries can enter with a visa without a bond, provided they can show tickets for their team's matches.

However, the problems are not limited to financial hurdles. Scottish fans, for example, booked flights and bought tickets for Scotland's matches in the USA. But their ESTA or visa applications were rejected shortly before departure. The BBC reports on Scottish fans who had waited 28 years for their team to qualify for a World Cup finals again. In addition, those affected will likely be stuck with most of the expenses for their trip to the USA – which may run into thousands of pounds.

Other teams affected

Other national teams are also affected. Swiss national team player Breel Embolo was initially denied entry to the USA, apparently because his ESTA authorization was being reviewed due to a recent legally binding conviction for a threat. Embolo has since arrived in the USA with his Nati teammates.

The Iranian team arrived in Mexico over the weekend, where it has set up its headquarters during the World Cup. Iran plays in Group G, with opponents New Zealand and Belgium (venue: Los Angeles) and Egypt (venue: Seattle). According to the Iranian ambassador, the US authorities have decreed that "the team may only travel to the USA for the matches and must leave the country the same day." The Iranian delegation is still waiting for US visas for 15 of its official accompanying members. The Iranian team's headquarters had been relocated to Mexico specifically because the issuance of US visas for the team itself was still pending.

The USA is thus facing international criticism ahead of the start of the tournament over its restrictive entry regulations. The BBC reports that the closure of US consulates in 30 countries is causing significant problems for World Cup fans in those countries. For athletes and supporters, some of whom have worked toward this tournament for years, the situation means an additional burden – regardless of whether entry is ultimately granted or denied.

The organizers of the 2026 World Cup must be prepared for such incidents to at least partially overshadow the view of the major sporting event. The Hussein case exemplifies how US entry practices can further exacerbate the already difficult circumstances for teams from conflict regions.