Zidane Iqbal, the former Manchester United midfielder, is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a tournament that holds immense significance for him and his country, Iraq. 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 23-year-old has become a firm favorite, scoring a crucial goal during qualifying against Indonesia, a moment he describes as "surreal."
However, the road to the World Cup hasn't been without its challenges. Iqbal, who now plays for Utrecht in the Netherlands, has had to overcome two long-term injuries, which he describes as opportunities for growth. His time in the Eredivisie has exposed him to a different level of competition, with full stadiums and intense pressure from fans, a stark contrast to the U21s where family and friends were in the stands. This experience has matured him both as a player and as a person.
The move to Utrecht was a strategic decision for Iqbal, who felt the need to prove himself. He chose the Netherlands for its technical prowess, a league he believes is the best for his development. Despite the challenges, he has embraced the opportunity to train alongside an all-time great, Cristiano Ronaldo, at Manchester United. Ronaldo's work ethic and focus have left a lasting impression on Iqbal, who describes him as a "very nice, calm guy."
Now, with one year left on his deal at Utrecht, Iqbal is contemplating a return to England. The call of home is strong, but before that, he has the World Cup to focus on. Iraq's group includes Norway, France, and Senegal, a "group of death" as Iqbal calls it, but he sees it as an opportunity to test themselves against high-level players. He believes that Iraq, a team of fighters, can shock some people and create history.
As Iqbal prepares for the World Cup, he reflects on his journey, from his childhood dream of playing for Manchester United to the reality of representing Iraq on the global stage. He understands the weight of the moment and the potential for an upset, a sentiment that resonates with the spirit of football, where anything is possible.
