The 23-year-old midfielder represents the Iraqi national team and previously came through the academy system of Manchester United. Born in Manchester to a Pakistani father and an Iraqi mother, Iqbal has often spoken proudly about his dual heritage and is known for displaying the flags of both Pakistan and Iraq on his football boots.

Speaking to an international publication, Iqbal said he was surprised to learn that he could become the first player of Pakistani descent to feature at a World Cup. He explained that during Iraq s qualification campaign, his focus had been entirely on helping the team reach football s biggest stage rather than on the historical significance of the achievement.

Iqbal credited his father with playing a crucial role in his football journey and said he takes great pride in his Pakistani roots. While he represents Iraq internationally and grew up in England, he described Pakistan as an important part of his identity.

The former Manchester United youngster expressed hope that his story would inspire young Pakistanis and children from South Asian backgrounds to pursue their dreams. He said dedication, hard work, and perseverance can help talented youngsters succeed on the global stage regardless of their background.

According to Ahmad Shehzad, founder of the Pakistani football-focused social media platform "Pakistani Talents," Iqbal has already become a major source of inspiration for football fans in Pakistan. He noted that Pakistani representation at the highest levels of world football has historically been extremely limited, making Iqbal s potential World Cup appearance especially significant.

Shehzad added that many Pakistani football supporters are expected to back Iraq during the tournament because of Iqbal s presence and will be hoping the team enjoys a successful World Cup campaign.

If Iraq secures its place and Iqbal features in the tournament, it would mark a groundbreaking moment for Pakistani-origin representation in world football and provide a powerful role model for aspiring players across the region.