Zidane Iqbal will become the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature in a men's World Cup when Iraq faces their Group B opponents. The Utrecht midfielder, born in Manchester and raised through the Manchester United academy, qualifies for Iraq through his mother while his father is Pakistani.

Pakistan's football struggles are stark - ranked 198th globally with just one qualifying victory in their history. For a nation of 240 million people, Iqbal's World Cup appearance represents a monumental breakthrough. He wears both countries' flags on his boots, stating his equal respect for both sides of his family heritage.

Iraq's qualification required a 21-game qualifying run - the longest of any nation - ending a 40-year World Cup absence since Mexico 1986. Iqbal previously broke barriers as the first British South Asian to play Champions League football in nearly two decades.

Facing France, Norway, and Senegal in Group B, Iqbal embraces the underdog role. He believes Iraq can 'shock the world' and hopes his story inspires young footballers from any background to pursue professional careers.