A footballer with Pakistani roots is set to make history at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being included in Iraq’s national squad for the tournament.
Midfielder Zidane Iqbal, who was born in Manchester, has a Pakistani father and an Iraqi mother. His father, Aamir, belongs to Sahiwal, Pakistan, while his mother is from Iraq.
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Under FIFA eligibility rules, Zidane was eligible to represent Pakistan, Iraq, or England at international level.
However, he chose to play for Iraq, representing their Under-23 side in 2021 before making his senior international debut in 2022.
Once he appeared for Iraq’s national team, he became ineligible to switch allegiance to Pakistan under FIFA regulations.
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Media reports suggest that ongoing administrative and football-related issues in Pakistan also played a role in the country missing the opportunity to secure his services at international level.
Zidane’s football journey began at the age of nine when he joined the youth academy of Manchester United.
He later made headlines by featuring for the club in the UEFA Champions League in 2021.
The midfielder is now expected to become the first footballer of Pakistani origin to play at a FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the global Pakistani community.
Speaking about the achievement, Zidane said, “I was told by my friends and my father how I am going to become part of history. I have never been to Iraq, but I have visited Pakistan.”
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His participation at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will undoubtedly be a proud moment for football fans in Pakistan, despite him representing Iraq on the international stage.
