Zidane Iqbal is set to become the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature in a men’s FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone for Pakistan’s football community.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who came through Manchester United’s academy and now plays for FC Utrecht, will represent Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The achievement adds another landmark to a career that has already seen him become the first British South Asian player in nearly two decades to appear in the UEFA Champions League.

For Pakistan, a nation of more than 240 million people whose football team has never qualified for the World Cup, Iqbal’s participation carries symbolic significance far beyond the tournament itself.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Iqbal said he only learned about the historic achievement after seeing it online.

“To be honest, I didn’t even know it myself. 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 flag on each boot

Born and raised in Manchester, Iqbal has a Pakistani father and an Iraqi mother. He proudly embraces both sides of his heritage, even displaying them on the pitch.

“I wear the Iraqi flag on my left side and the Pakistani flag on my right side,” he told BBC Sport.

“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.”

His sense of identity has remained central throughout his career.

Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, Iqbal said: “I’ve grown up in Manchester my whole life so I’d say I’m a proud Mancunian, but I’m also proud of my heritage as well. I’m proud of being English, Pakistani and Iraqi.”

He also explained why representing Iraq does not lessen his connection to Pakistan.

“Me choosing to play for Iraq doesn’t mean I’m not a proud Mancunian or a proud Pakistani. I just feel this is the right opportunity for me as a player, the right step in my career and an honour, but it doesn’t take away the fact that I’m a Mancunian and a Pakistani as well.”

A source of inspiration for Pakistan

Pakistan is ranked 198th in the FIFA rankings and has won only one World Cup qualifying match in its history. Against that backdrop, Iqbal’s presence on football’s biggest stage has resonated deeply with fans.

Ahmed Shahzad, who runs the social media account Pakistani Talents, told BBC Sport the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Every Pakistani football fan knows about Zidane Iqbal. Historically, there’s been very little Pakistani representation at the top level of football, especially on the global stage like the World Cup. And that is a big inspiration for a lot of young Pakistanis, even locally and in the diaspora. I see a lot of people saying that Pakistan now has a nation to support at the World Cup, and they won’t be just backing Zidane Iqbal, they will be backing Iraq to go as far as they can in that tournament.”

Underdogs with nothing to lose

Iraq secured qualification after an extraordinary 21-match qualifying campaign — the most fixtures played by any nation on the road to the tournament. The 2026 edition will mark Iraq’s second World Cup appearance and its first since Mexico 1986.

The historical connection is not lost on Iqbal.

“Funnily enough, that 1986 World Cup was in Mexico, and now this World Cup is in Mexico. I think that’s beautiful as well,” he told BBC Sport.

Iraq have been drawn alongside France, Norway and Senegal in a challenging group. Yet Iqbal is embracing the underdog role.

“I think we’ve got a free shot. We go there, it’s our first World Cup in 40 years. We’re the underdogs. If we lose, people expect us to lose. If we win, we shock the world.”

For millions of football fans in Pakistan, Iraq’s World Cup journey will carry a special significance. With Iqbal on the pitch, many will feel represented on football’s grandest stage for the first time.