Former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal is on course to make history as the first footballer of Pakistani origin to feature at a FIFA World Cup after Iraq secured qualification for the 2026 tournament.
The 23-year-old midfielder was born in Manchester to a Pakistani father from Sahiwal and an Iraqi mother. Although eligible to represent multiple nations, Iqbal chose to play for Iraq at the international level and has become an important part of the national team setup.
Iraq’s successful qualification campaign means Iqbal is now expected to appear at football’s biggest event, marking a historic moment for players of Pakistani heritage.
Iqbal began his football journey in Manchester United’s youth academy and made headlines in 2021 when he became the first British South Asian player to represent the club’s senior team.
While his international allegiance is with Iraq, his Pakistani roots have earned him widespread recognition among football fans in Pakistan. His father’s family originates from Sahiwal, Punjab, giving him a strong connection to the country.
For Pakistan’s football community, Iqbal’s potential World Cup appearance represents a major milestone. No player of Pakistani origin has previously competed at a FIFA World Cup, making his achievement a significant moment for South Asian representation on the global football stage.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, providing Iqbal with the opportunity to showcase his talent on the sport’s biggest platform.
