Iraqi National Team Photographer Detained at US Airport Ahead of World Cup

DID Press: An official photographer of the Iraqi national football team was reportedly detained for around 12 hours upon arrival in the United States while traveling to cover preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

According to reports, Talal Salah was stopped at a U.S. airport and prevented from continuing his entry process after arriving to cover the team’s participation in the tournament.

Sources said his case is still under review and he may be deported in the coming hours.

The Iraqi national team is currently in the United States as part of its preparations for the World Cup, and Salah was part of the team’s official media delegation.

U.S. authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.