FOXBOROUGH, USA (Kashmir English): Zidane Iqbal, the current FC Utrecht midfielder, is set to become the first footballer of Pakistani heritage to feature in a men’s FIFA World Cup as he represents Iraq today.
The Iraq vs. Norway 2026 FIFA World Cup game is being played at Boston Stadium (traditionally known as Gillette Stadium) located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States.
Iraq’s World Cup Group I match will kick off locally at 3:00 PM (Eastern Time) in the United States (Pakistan Standard Time June 17 at 3:00 AM).
Born and raised in Manchester, Iqbal has a Pakistani father and an Iraqi mother, and he continues to introduce himself with both backgrounds.
The former Manchester United academy player has confirmed his place in Iraq’s squad for this year’s tournament, marking a remarkable moment for a nation that has never reached football’s global event.
The 23-year-old, who progressed through Manchester United’s youth system, earlier made history as the first British South Asian player in nearly two decades to appear in the Champions League.
Iqbal’s World Cup qualification
Speaking to BBC Sport, Iqbal stated that the news of World Cup qualification came as a surprise, and he shared it immediately with his father.
He said he had not anticipated such a milestone when he began his international career with Iraq.
Zidane Iqbal has previously described wearing the Iraqi flag on one boot and the Pakistani flag on the other, as a mark of respect for both sides of his heritage.
He said that he holds both identities of equal importance and that he carries them with pride in his professional career.
In earlier remarks reported by Manchester United’s official website, Iqbal termed himself as a proud Mancunian while also acknowledging his Pakistani and Iraqi heritage.
He was of the view that his decision to represent Iraq does not diminish his connection to either identity.
