Aymen Hussein made his international debut for Iraq in 2015. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein endured a difficult start to his first World Cup, but still managed to make his mark on the tournament.

Earlier this month, it was unclear whether Hussein would even feature after he and another member of Iraq’s travelling party were detained for several hours by U.S. customs officials upon arriving in Chicago.

Two weeks later, Hussein scored only Iraq’s second-ever FIFA World Cup goal in a 4-1 defeat to Norway on Tuesday.

The striker also turned the ball into his own net late in the game, but Iraq coach Graham Arnold chose to focus on the positives.

“I’d rather remember his performance and the way he’s played,” Arnold said. “He’s had quite a few injuries during the season. For him to get through 90 minutes was important. He’s the type of player who’s very difficult to control in the box. I’m very proud of him.”

Norway had taken the lead in the 29th minute through Erling Haaland, who slid in to finish from close range.

Nine minutes later, Hussein sparked celebrations among a sizeable contingent of white-clad Iraqi supporters at Gillette Stadium.

Amir Alammari collected the ball on the byline midway between the left corner flag and the goal before whipping in a cross that evaded Norway’s defenders. Hussein rose to meet it with a powerful header that bounced beneath the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Iraq is playing in just its second World Cup and its first in 40 years.

Hussein looked crestfallen as he exchanged handshakes with Norway’s players after the final whistle, but his teammates took pride in the brief moment of joy his goal had given the underdogs.

“It’s a proud moment for him,” defender Hussein Ali said. “But, of course, with the end result, it’s hard to celebrate a goal like that. We’re on to the next game.”

Setting aside Hussein’s customs ordeal, Arnold said Iraq’s experience in the United States had otherwise been positive.

“FIFA, even the U.S., it’s not about politics, it’s about football,” he said. “The way we’ve been treated has been first class.”

Arnold believes his side can take encouragement from its display ahead of Monday’s clash against France in Philadelphia.

“I was very proud of the first 65 to 70 minutes,” Arnold said. “A couple of mistakes at this level will always be punished. We need to learn from those mistakes.”

Published on Jun 17, 2026