Summary
- A footballer of Pakistani origin will be playing in the FIFA World Cup representing an Arab nation.
- Under FIFA regulations, Zidane was eligible to represent three countries: Pakistan, Iraq and England.
- Zidane Iqbal is set to become the first footballer of Pakistani origin to play in a FIFA World Cup.
A footballer of Pakistani origin will be playing in the FIFA World Cup representing an Arab nation. Zidane Iqbal who is part of the Iraqi squad has Pakistani roots. Born in Manchester, his father is from Pakistan while his mother is from Iraq.
Under FIFA regulations, Zidane was eligible to represent three countries: Pakistan, Iraq and England. He played for Iraq’s Under-23 team in 2021 and later made his senior international debut for Iraq in 2022. After representing Iraq’s senior team, Pakistan was no longer eligible to call him up under FIFA rules.
Due to disputes within the Pakistan Football Federation, Pakistan was unable to secure his services. Zidane Iqbal joined the academy of Manchester United at the age of nine. In 2021, he also featured for Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League.
His father, Aamir belongs to the city of Sahiwal. Zidane Iqbal is set to become the first footballer of Pakistani origin to play in a FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the achievement, Zidane said: “My friends and my father told me how I am about to become part of history. I have never visited Iraq but I have visited Pakistan.”
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