Zidane Iqbal made history on Monday by becoming the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a men’s FIFA World Cup match.

The Iraq midfielder reached the milestone after coming on as a substitute in the 59th minute during Iraq’s 4-1 defeat to Norway in their Group I match at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

Norway secured a comfortable victory with Erling Haaland scoring twice on his FIFA World Cup debut.

Iqbal, whose father is Pakistani and mother is Iraqi, said he was unaware of the historic achievement until he came across a social media post highlighting the record.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the former Manchester United midfielder said he immediately shared the news with his father, whom he described as the person who had played the most important role in shaping his football career.

“To be honest, I didn’t even know it myself,” Iqbal said. “I 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.”

He paid tribute to his Pakistani roots, saying his father, who was born in Pakistan, had always been a major source of support and inspiration throughout his career.

Iqbal said he was equally proud of both sides of his family and expressed deep respect for his Pakistani and Iraqi heritage.

The midfielder also revealed that he wears the Iraqi flag on one side of his football boots and the Pakistani flag on the other to honour both countries.

“When people ask me what I feel more connected to, I can’t answer,” he said. “For me, they’re both equal. It’s about respect and something I carry with a lot of pride.”

Iqbal’s appearance marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s football community, making him the first footballer of Pakistani heritage to play in a men’s FIFA World Cup while representing Iraq on the sport’s biggest stage.