World Cup 2026: Iraq’s former Man Utd player Zidane Iqbal becomes first Pakistani to play in World Cup

A former Manchester United prospect will make men’s World Cup history if he takes the field for Iraq on Tuesday – but not for the country he represents.

The moment will instead be memorable for fans of Pakistan, a country of more than 240 million people – the world’s fifth largest population – whose football team has never reached the World Cup.

In fact, they have won just one playoff game in their entire history.

Ranked 198th in the FIFA world rankings, the South Asian nation sits among the 15 worst performing nations in the sport and its people have never been able to cheer for someone who represents them on the biggest stage.

until now

Utrecht’s former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal, representing Iraq, is set to become the first player of Pakistani heritage to play in the men’s World Cup.

He says he was “surprised” when he learned of the honor – but his heritage is something he’s proud of.

“To be honest, I didn’t know it myself,” he told BBC Sport. “I followed the account he posted (who was the first player of Pakistani heritage to play in the men’s World Cup) and sent it straight to my dad. I think we were both surprised. When I tried to qualify for the World Cup with Iraq, I didn’t think of anything like that.

“My father is Pakistani. He is my father, the person I respect the most in my life, who has helped me a lot in my career.

“I play for Iraq, grew up in England, but my father was born in Pakistan. My grandfather was first generation there, so I have a lot of respect for that side of my family.”

Iqbal was born and brought up in Manchester. He is Pakistani through his father and Iraqi through his mother. The talented midfielder said he was proud to represent both countries and showed it when he took to the field with the flags of both countries on his boots.

Asked why he chose to play in boots that showcase his heritage, the 23-year-old reiterated his “respect” for both sides of his family background.

“I wear the Iraqi flag on my left side and the Pakistani flag on my right side,” he said. “I think it’s because I respect both sides.

“When people ask me what I feel more connected to, I can’t answer. For me, they’re both equal. It’s an honor and something I carry with a lot of pride.”