Zidane Iqbal, the former Manchester United midfielder, is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a dream come true for the 23-year-old. Born and raised in Manchester, Iqbal is eligible to represent Iraq through his Iraqi mother, and his journey to the World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. The 2026 tournament marks Iraq's first appearance in 40 years, and Iqbal's crucial goal against Indonesia during qualifying played a pivotal role in securing their spot.
In an exclusive interview, Iqbal reflects on the surreal feeling of scoring that goal, the overwhelming support from fans, and the team's bond as a "one big family." The focus now is on peak performance, with Iqbal dedicating himself to one-on-one sessions in Manchester to ensure he's at his best for the tournament. His time at Manchester United, where he made his first-team debut at 18, was a highlight, but he's eager to make his mark on the international stage.
The move to Utrecht in the Netherlands has been challenging, with injuries disrupting his progress. However, Iqbal has matured as a player and a person, embracing the pressure and the unique experiences of playing in a full stadium with fans cheering and potentially giving him abuse. The off-field challenges of living abroad at 20 have made him stronger, and he's now open about the reality of being a young professional.
As Iraq prepares for the World Cup, Iqbal's group contains Norway, France, and Senegal, earning the label of the "group of death." But Iqbal sees it as a group of excitement and opportunity, a chance to test themselves against high-level players and potentially shock the world. With a fighting spirit and a desire to inspire, Iqbal is ready to make his mark on the global stage, just as he did at Manchester United, where he became the first South Asian to play for the club and in the Champions League.
The road to the World Cup has been an arduous one, but Iqbal is determined to make it a memorable one. He believes that football isn't played on paper and that upsets can happen. With his talent, determination, and the support of his teammates, Zidane Iqbal is poised to make history and create lasting memories for Iraq and himself.
