Iraq participates in FIFA World Cup 2026 with Zidane Iqbal, the first player of Pakistani origin to play in the tournament. Zidane Iqbal is a midfielder born in Manchester, with Iraqi and Pakistani roots.

From Manchester United Academy to the World Cup

Zidane Iqbal started his football career at Manchester United's academy, where he played until 2022. He then joined FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he currently plays.

Zidane Iqbal's Role in the Iraqi National Team

Zidane Iqbal scored his first international goal for Iraq in March 2024, against the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Importance of Zidane Iqbal's Participation for Iraq

Zidane Iqbal's participation in the 2026 World Cup is a significant step for the Iraqi national team, which is participating in the tournament after a long absence. | Date | Match | Score | | --- | --- | --- | | March 2024 | Iraq vs Philippines | 1-0 |