ZIDANE IQBAL SET TO BECOME FIRST PLAYER OF PAKISTANI HERITAGE AT MEN'S WORLD CUP

Zidane Iqbal will make men's World Cup history if he plays for Iraq on Tuesday, becoming the first player of Pakistani heritage to compete in the tournament. The Utrecht midfielder, who came through Manchester United's academy, will achieve the milestone whilst representing Iraq, the country of his mother's heritage. The moment carries particular significance for Pakistan, a nation of over 240 million people that has never qualified for a World Cup and has won only one qualifying match in its entire football history.

Iqbal was born and raised in Manchester and holds both Iraqi and Pakistani heritage through his parents. He expressed surprise upon learning he would be the first player of Pakistani descent to appear at a men's World Cup, stating he did not consider the historical significance when qualifying with Iraq. The 23-year-old midfielder has previously demonstrated his connection to both sides of his family by wearing both the Iraqi and Pakistani flags on his boots during matches, positioning them on his left and right sides respectively.

Pakistan currently ranks 198th in the FIFA world rankings, placing the nation amongst the 15 lowest-performing football countries. Iqbal has stated that representing both nations represents equal importance to him, describing it as something he carries "with a lot of pride." The midfielder emphasised his respect for both his father, who is Pakistani, and his family's broader heritage from the South Asian nation.