When Zidane Iqbal steps onto the pitch for Iraq on Tuesday, he will not only be fulfilling a personal dream but also writing a new chapter for an entire nation – a nation that has never had a representative at a men's FIFA World Cup. The FC Utrecht midfielder, who came through the ranks at Manchester United, is set to become the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature on football’s biggest stage, a milestone that will resonate deeply with more than 240 million people.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know it myself,” Iqbal told BBC Sport after learning of the historic landmark. “I followed the account that posted it and sent it to my dad straight away. I think we were both surprised. When I tried to qualify for the World Cup with Iraq, I didn’t think of anything like this.”
A Dual Heritage Star
Born and raised in Manchester, Iqbal’s father is Pakistani and his mother is Iraqi – a blend he carries with immense pride. That pride is literally on display every time he plays: his boots feature the Iraqi flag on the left and the Pakistani flag on the right.
“I wear the Iraqi flag on my left side and the Pakistani flag on my right side. I think that’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 about respect and something I carry with a lot of pride.”
Iqbal’s decision to represent Iraq internationally came through his mother’s lineage, but his connection to Pakistan – a country ranked 198th in the world and with just one World Cup qualifying win in its history – remains profound. “My dad is Pakistani. He’s my father, the man I respect the most in my life, who helped me so much in my career. I play for Iraq, grew up in England, but my dad was born in Pakistan. My grandad was a first-generation there, so I have a lot of respect for that side of my family.”
The Road to the World Cup
Iqbal’s journey is a story of quiet determination. A technically gifted midfielder, he came through the famed Manchester United academy and made history of his own in December 2021 when he became the first British South Asian to play in the Champions League for nearly two decades. Despite limited senior opportunities at Old Trafford, his talent was evident, and a move to Dutch side FC Utrecht in 2023 provided the platform for regular first-team football. His international allegiance to Iraq soon followed, and he played a key role in their successful qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
Inspiring a Nation
For Pakistan, a country of over 240 million people that has never seen its flag on the World Cup stage, Iqbal’s appearance carries symbolic weight. Football is growing in popularity in the South Asian nation, but infrastructure and investment remain challenges. Having a player of Pakistani descent – even in another nation’s colours – deliver moments on the global stage is a source of immense inspiration.
“I’m still young, but I’ll be the first Pakistani player to play in the World Cup, so hopefully a few kids that aspire to be a footballer will look at that and believe they can do it too, because football is a hard journey. A lot of commitment and hard work is needed. So hopefully when kids see people trying to be a professional footballer, or me, they see those of South Asian heritage or even of any heritage, that you can make it from any background.”
Iqbal’s presence in the tournament is not just a footnote; it is a beacon for aspiring footballers across Pakistan and the wider South Asian diaspora. As Iraq begin their Group stage campaign, a historic subplot will unfold – one that transcends national borders and celebrates the beautiful game’s power to unite.
Key Takeaways
- Zidane Iqbal, an FC Utrecht midfielder and former Manchester United academy graduate, will become the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear at a men’s FIFA World Cup when he represents Iraq on Tuesday.
- Iqbal proudly displays both his heritages, wearing the Iraqi and Pakistani flags on his boots and speaking of equal respect for both sides of his family.
- His World Cup debut will be watched keenly in Pakistan, a nation of 240 million that has never qualified for the tournament and sits 198th in the FIFA rankings.
- Iqbal previously broke ground as the first British South Asian to feature in the Champions League for Manchester United in nearly 20 years.
- The 23-year-old hopes his achievement inspires children from all backgrounds to pursue football, emphasizing that hard work and commitment can overcome barriers.
Name: Zidane Iqbal
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
Club: FC Utrecht
National Team: Iraq
Heritage: Pakistani (father) and Iraqi (mother)
World Cup Debut: Expected vs. group stage opponent on Tuesday