FIFA World Cup: Iraq's Zidane Iqbal set to make historic appearance for Pakistan

FOXBOROUGH: 23-year-old midfielder Zidane Iqbal will make FIFA World Cup history if he steps onto the pitch for Iraq during their campaign opener against Norway, scheduled to be played later today here at the Boston Stadium.

Iqbal, who was born in Manchester, is poised to become the first player of Pakistani heritage to play in a men's World Cup since his father is from the South Asian country, while his mother is an Iraqi.

The former Manchester United midfielder, during an interview with the BBC Sport, shared that he was "surprised" when he found out about the honour and immediately told his dad about the prospect, whom he hailed as a pivotal figure in shaping his professional career.

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

"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.

"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."

Iqbal further shared that he takes pride in representing both Pakistan and Iraq and thus will be donning both countries' flags on his boots when he takes to the pitch.

The midfielder also explained his decision to showcase his Pakistani heritage through his boots by reiterating the respect for both sides of his family's background.

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

"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."