Iraq’s Zidane Iqbal is given directions by Iraq coach Graham Arnold earlier than he’s substituted throughout Group A match between Iraq and Norway in Fifa World Cup 2026 on June 16, 2026. — Reuters
Zidane Iqbal made historical past on the 2026 Fifa World Cup on Monday, changing into the primary participant of Pakistani heritage to characteristic in a males’s World Cup.
Zidane made historical past when he stepped onto the pitch within the 59th minute as an alternative choice to Iraq throughout their 4-1 defeat to Norway at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.
Erling Haaland scored a brace on his World Cup debut as Norway claimed a dominant victory over Iraq of their Group I match.
Zidane’s father is from Pakistan, whereas his mom is Iraqi.
The previous Manchester United midfielder, in an interview with BBC Sport, mentioned he was “surprised” when he realized of the honour and instantly instructed his dad, whom he hailed as a pivotal determine in shaping his skilled profession.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know it myself,” Zidane Iqbal instructed BBC Sport. “I followed the account that posted it [that he was the first player of Pakistani heritage to play at a men’s World Cup] 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.
“My dad is Pakistani. He is my father, the person I respect probably the most in my life, who helped me a lot in my profession.
“I play for Iraq, grew up in England, but my dad was born in Pakistan. My grandad was a first-generation there, so I have a lot of respect for that side of my family.”
Iqbal additional shared that he takes pleasure in representing each Pakistan and Iraq and thus shall be donning each nations’ flags on his boots when he takes to the pitch.
The midfielder additionally defined his determination to showcase his Pakistani heritage by means of his boots by reiterating the respect for each side of his household’s background.
“I wear the Iraqi flag on my left side and the Pakistani flag on my right side,” he mentioned. “I think that’s because I respect both sides.
“When folks ask me what I really feel extra linked to, I can not reply. For me, they’re each equal. It is about respect and one thing I carry with numerous pleasure.”
