The official photographer of the Iraqi national team, Talal Salah, was denied entry into the United States just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reports indicate that he was detained for more than 10 hours, underwent phone inspections, and was ultimately deemed inadmissible by U.S. authorities.
The incident occurred when Iraq’s delegation arrived in Chicago. Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was also questioned for nearly seven hours before being allowed into the country, while Salah was sent back. U.S. Customs and Border Protection later stated that the photographer was denied entry based on classified information under U.S. law.
The controversy comes less than a week before Iraq’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years. The team is scheduled to compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.
The Iraqi Football Association had not immediately issued an official response, and U.S. authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific reason for the denial.
