Zidane Iqbal becomes first man of Pakistani heritage to play at Fifa World Cup

ISLAMABAD: Zidane Iqbal has become the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a men’s Fifa World Cup after coming on for Iraq in Monday’s Group I match against Norway.

The midfielder entered the game in the 59th minute at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, where Iraq went on to lose 4-1. Norway secured a comfortable win, with Erling Haaland scoring twice on his World Cup debut.

Iqbal, a former Manchester United midfielder, has a Pakistani father and an Iraqi mother. In comments to BBC Sport, he said he had not initially realised he had achieved the milestone and shared the moment with his father, whom he described as a central influence on his football career.

"To be honest, I didn't even know it myself. 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," he told BBC Sport.

Reflecting on his family background, Iqbal said his father’s side remained an important part of his identity. "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 told BBC Sport.

"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," he added.

Pride in both sides of his family

Iqbal also said he expresses that connection on the pitch by wearing both the Iraqi and Pakistani flags on his boots. He said the gesture reflects equal respect for both parts of his family background.

"I wear the Iraqi flag on my left side and the Pakistani flag on my right side. I think that's because I respect both sides," he said, explaining that choice.

He added that he does not rank one identity above the other, saying that "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."