BOSTON: Iraq midfielder Zidane Iqbal etched his name into football history on Tuesday by becoming the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature at a FIFA World Cup.
The 23-year-old made the landmark appearance after coming on as a second-half substitute during Iraq’s 4-1 defeat to Norway in their Group I clash at Boston Stadium.
While the match was dominated by Norway striker Erling Haaland, who marked his World Cup debut with two goals, Iqbal’s introduction in the 59th minute represented a significant moment for football fans in Pakistan and across the global Pakistani diaspora.
Born in England to an Iraqi mother and a Pakistani father, Iqbal has represented Iraq at the international level and played a key role in the country’s journey to the World Cup.
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Speaking to BBC Sport, the former Manchester United midfielder admitted he was unaware of the milestone until it was highlighted on social media.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know it myself,” Iqbal said.
“I followed the account that posted it 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.”
Zidane Iqbal paid tribute to his father, describing him as the most influential figure in his football journey.
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“My dad is Pakistani. He’s my father, the man I respect the most in my life, who helped me so much in my career,” he said.
“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.”
The midfielder also revealed that he proudly honours both sides of his heritage whenever he steps onto the pitch.
Iqbal wears the Iraqi flag on one side of his boots and the Pakistani flag on the other, symbolising his connection to both nations.
“I wear the Iraqi flag on my left side and the Pakistani flag on my right side,” he explained.
“I think that’s because I respect both sides.
“When people ask me what I feel more connected to, I can’t answer. For me, they’re both equal. It’s about respect and something I carry with a lot of pride.”
READ: Haaland double powers Norway to FIFA World Cup win over Iraq