Extended Detention of Ayman Hussein at Chicago Airport
Professionally crafted and formatted: Ayman Hussein, the Lions of Mesopotamia striker, encountered an unexpected situation upon the national team's arrival at Chicago Airport, coming from Spain in preparation for the last friendlies before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Sources close to the delegation revealed that U.S. authorities at Chicago Airport subjected Ayman Hussein to routine security checks that lasted nearly seven full hours. This type of scrutiny affects a number of travelers arriving in the U.S., but the duration for the Iraqi striker was the longest among all delegation members.
The Vice President of the Iraqi Federation, Mohammed Nasser, was waiting for the player as soon as the procedures were completed, and accompanied him directly to the team's residence to join his teammates.
The procedures did not only include Ayman. Fahd Talib, Zaid Tahseen, Youssef Al-Amin, Zidan Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh, and Hussein Ali were also subjected to checks for about an hour, while Mirhas Doski was detained for two hours. However, the long waiting period that Ayman Hussein experienced affected his mood, especially since he was still under the euphoria of the historic draw with Spain two days earlier.
Graham Arnold handled the situation with realism and professionalism. The Australian coach decided to give Ayman Hussein a longer rest period than the other players, to overcome the physical and mental fatigue resulting from the long hours of detention at the airport, and to regain his calm and focus.
Iraq will face Venezuela at the 'Toyota Park' stadium in Chicago, with the match scheduled at four in the morning Baghdad and Doha time. This friendly is the last rehearsal for the Lions of Mesopotamia before officially entering the World Cup competitions in Group Nine alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.
It is noted that Ayman Hussein's absence from the first training due to airport procedures will not be impactful, as Arnold bets on his experience and ability to regain readiness quickly. The national team's historic top scorer will be strongly present on Wednesday, to lead the Iraqi attack in the last test before facing Norway in the World Cup opener on June 17.
Sources close to the delegation revealed that U.S. authorities at Chicago Airport subjected Ayman Hussein to routine security checks that lasted nearly seven full hours. This type of scrutiny affects a number of travelers arriving in the U.S., but the duration for the Iraqi striker was the longest among all delegation members.
The Vice President of the Iraqi Federation, Mohammed Nasser, was waiting for the player as soon as the procedures were completed, and accompanied him directly to the team's residence to join his teammates.
The procedures did not only include Ayman. Fahd Talib, Zaid Tahseen, Youssef Al-Amin, Zidan Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh, and Hussein Ali were also subjected to checks for about an hour, while Mirhas Doski was detained for two hours. However, the long waiting period that Ayman Hussein experienced affected his mood, especially since he was still under the euphoria of the historic draw with Spain two days earlier.
Graham Arnold handled the situation with realism and professionalism. The Australian coach decided to give Ayman Hussein a longer rest period than the other players, to overcome the physical and mental fatigue resulting from the long hours of detention at the airport, and to regain his calm and focus.
Iraq will face Venezuela at the 'Toyota Park' stadium in Chicago, with the match scheduled at four in the morning Baghdad and Doha time. This friendly is the last rehearsal for the Lions of Mesopotamia before officially entering the World Cup competitions in Group Nine alongside France, Norway, and Senegal.
It is noted that Ayman Hussein's absence from the first training due to airport procedures will not be impactful, as Arnold bets on his experience and ability to regain readiness quickly. The national team's historic top scorer will be strongly present on Wednesday, to lead the Iraqi attack in the last test before facing Norway in the World Cup opener on June 17.
News Related
Norway Dreams of Surprise Led by Haaland in First World Cup in 26 Years
Norway aims to shine in the 2026 World Cup under the leadership of Haaland.
Arabs on a Date with History: Largest Presence and Unlimited Dreams
Historic participation of eight Arab teams in the 2026 World Cup.
Iraq Turns the Tables in Group Nine of the World Cup
The Iraqi national team succeeded in overturning all previous calculations among the public
FIFA Reverses Decision Before World Cup Kick-off
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has reversed its previous decision.
De la Fuente Praises Iraq's Performance After Draw
Luis de la Fuente, the coach of the Spanish national team, did not hide his admiration
Graham Arnold Proves His Worth in Leading Iraq
Graham Arnold proves day by day that he is the best choice for coaching
Iraq Achieves Three Gains from Friendly Match with Spain
The Iraqi national team succeeded in securing a notable result against Spain, after
Ahmed Makenzie Called Up to Iraq's Squad
The coaching staff of the Iraq national team made an urgent decision to call up the left-back.
Iraq Achieves a Remarkable Record Against Spain
The Iraqi national team etched its name in golden letters in the records of football
Iraq Forces a Draw with Spain in Friendly Match
The Iraqi national team achieved a significant moral result on Thursday evening at the stadium