Iraqi football player Zidane Iqbal is on the brink of making history as the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature in a FIFA World Cup, marking a milestone moment for both Iraqi and Pakistani football communities.
The 21-year-old midfielder, born in England, has chosen to represent Iraq national football team, his mother’s country, on the international stage.
His father is from Pakistan, giving Iqbal a unique dual heritage that has drawn attention across South Asia and the Middle East.
Iqbal, who developed through the youth ranks at Manchester United, has already made history earlier in his career by becoming the first British South Asian to play for the club’s senior team in European competition. Now, he is set to break new ground again on football’s biggest stage.
His potential World Cup appearance comes as Iraq celebrates a long-awaited return to global football’s premier tournament.
The national side has struggled for decades to reach the competition, last appearing at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Their qualification marks a major resurgence for Iraqi football after years of challenges both on and off the pitch.
