India, June 16 -- The Pakistani national football team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup in history. The nation has struggled to make an impact in international football, under the shadow of cricket that dominates Pakistan's sports arena. However, football history is about to change in the most unexpected way on June 16, Tuesday. Pakistan will officially have representation at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which marks the first time ever for the nation, even though the player is stepping onto the pitch for Iraq.

Midfielder Zidane Iqbal is the man carrying the pride of a nation that isn't even listed on his jersey. Iraq kicks off its FIFA World Cup Group I campaign against Norway tonight at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. When Iqbal f...