Zidane Iqbal Makes History as First Pakistani-Origin Player at World Cup

Zidane Iqbal has secured his place in the Iraq national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first player of Pakistani origin to compete in the tournament. The 23-year-old midfielder’s selection represents a significant moment for South Asian football, a region with nearly two billion people and zero previous World Cup participants.

Born in Manchester to a Pakistani father and Iraqi mother, Iqbal trained at the prestigious Manchester United academy. He made history there as the first British-born South Asian to appear for the club in European competition. After leaving United to seek consistent playing time, he joined FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Iqbal chose to represent Iraq, making his senior debut in January 2022 during World Cup qualifiers. He scored his first international goal against the Philippines in March 2024. His inclusion highlights the sport's power to bridge cultural identities, particularly as Iraq returns to the global stage after decades of instability.

This achievement underscores the untapped potential of South Asian football. While cricket dominates Pakistan’s sporting landscape, Iqbal’s success on the world’s biggest stage offers a new narrative for the region’s athletic future.