There was no immediate comment from the Iraqi Football Association, or from Hussein, a talismanic figure who scored the goal that secured the team's qualification for the finals.

Both were questioned Friday by Customs and Border Protection. The Iraq national team is in town for an exhibition match this week ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

US customs officials have since confirmed that Iraq's forward Aymen Hussein, who scored the FIFA qualifying goal for the country in March, was held back at the Chicago airport for several hours for 'additional inspection.

Iraq travel to Spain on Thursday night, preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1986.The Lions of Mesopotamia faced a gruelling Asian qualification process to secure their historic

Aymen Hussein arrived at Chicago's O'Hare airport with the rest of the Iraq squad on Saturday ahead of the tournament, which begins on Thursday, but was taken away for questioning.

The episode has drawn criticism in Iraq, with a publication covering the national team claiming that Hussein was treated "like a suspect" upon arrival.

Iraq end a 40-year wait at the FIFA World Cup this summer as the Lions of Mesopotamia return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since Mexico 1986.Their last appearance brought three

Iraq moved up to 56th in the most recent FIFA global rankings, making them the top-ranked Arab national team in Asia. The increase comes after Qatar’s tie […]

Iraq defeated Bolivia in an inter-confederation playoff to secure the final spot in the field of 48 World Cup teams.

PATRAS, Greece -- This was a real opening ceremony, one without light shows or music. In this seaside town three hours northwest of Athens, the full power of the Olympics was on display. Think the Games are meaningless? An obsolete exercise? Their meaning ...