FIFA World Cup: Pakistani-Origin Footballer Included in Arab Nation's Squad

(Digital Itla) A footballer of Pakistani origin is set to feature in the FIFA World Cup, representing an Arab nation. Zidane Iqbal, who is part of the Iraqi national squad, has deep ancestral roots in Pakistan. Born in Manchester, Zidane's father is from Pakistan, while his mother is from Iraq.

Under FIFA eligibility rules, Zidane was eligible to represent three nations: Pakistan, Iraq, and England. He ultimately played for Iraq's Under-23 team in 2021 and debuted for their senior national team in 2022. Once he capped for the senior Iraqi squad, Pakistan lost the right to call him up. Internal disputes and administrative issues within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) had previously prevented Pakistan from securing his talents. Zidane Iqbal joined the Manchester United Academy at the age of 9 and made history by appearing for Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League in 2021. With his father, Aamir, hailing from the city of Sahiwal in Pakistan, Zidane Iqbal will become the first footballer of Pakistani descent to play in a FIFA World Cup. Expressing his excitement, Zidane noted: "My friends and father told me how I am going to be a part of history. I have never been to Iraq, but I have visited Pakistan."