World Cup: Captain of Iraq questioned for 7 hours upon arrival in U.S.

©picture alliance / Matrix Images | Mark R. Cristino

The 32nd edition of the World Cup is upon us. On the weekend, host countries Mexico, Canada and the United States are hosting 48 male country teams. However, the tense geopolitical global situation ensures that not every country participating in the final tournament will be received with equally open arms.

The ball gets rolling on Thursday, June 11. Host country Mexico will then play its opening match against South Africa. A lot of teams travel to their "base camp" in one of the three host countries today or tomorrow. But the long trip doesn't always go smoothly. On Monday morning, for example, it was revealed that the captain of the Iraqi team was kept on the roster for no less than seven hours before he was granted access to American territory.

The Iraqi delegation arrived in the United States last Friday. But that arrival proved no mean feat. Captain of the Iraqi national team Aymen Hussein, was immediately taken away upon arrival at O'Hare airport in Chicago by members of the U.S. immigration service. After no less than seven hours of interrogation, Hussein was then given the go ahead to enter American territory.

A team photographer from Iraq was even denied full access to the United States and had to return home. He was taken in for questioning, and ultimately not allowed to enter the country due to "screening problems."

The Lions of Mesopotamia, as Iraq's football team is called, were assigned to Group I at the World Cup. And the Iraqis face an arduous task as they face top nations France and Senegal and Norway with top striker Haaland. It will be the first World Cup participation in as many as 40 years for Iraq.

©picture alliance / Matrix Images | Mark R. Cristino