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Iraq Caps Zidane Iqbal, First Pakistani-Heritage World Cup Player

6/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Iraq will field midfielder Zidane Iqbal, first player of Pakistani heritage in a World Cup.
Born in Manchester to a father from Sahiwal and an Iraqi mother, Iqbal joined Manchester United’s academy at nine.
He became the first South Asian to play in Champions League at 18 and helped Iraq qualify for World Cup.
Iraq secured his commitment after Pakistan’s federation issues blocked contact, prompting Iqbal to call appearance historic.

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Story summary

Iraq will field midfielder Zidane Iqbal, first player of Pakistani heritage in a World Cup.
Born in Manchester to a father from Sahiwal and an Iraqi mother, Iqbal joined Manchester United’s academy at nine.
He became the first South Asian to play in Champions League at 18 and helped Iraq qualify for World Cup.
Iraq secured his commitment after Pakistan’s federation issues blocked contact, prompting Iqbal to call appearance historic.