A former Manchester United academy product stands on the brink of a major milestone at the men's World Cup when he features for Iraq this summer, yet the true weight of the occasion reaches far beyond the nation he will represent on the pitch.

The achievement carries special meaning for supporters across Pakistan, home to more than 240 million residents and the fifth most populous country globally, as its national team has never qualified for the World Cup finals.

The side has recorded only a single victory throughout its entire qualifying history.

Currently ranked 198th by Fifa, the South Asian nation ranks among the 15 lowest placed teams in world football, leaving its vast population without a representative on the grandest stage until this moment.

Utrecht midfielder Zidane Iqbal, who progressed through the Manchester United youth system, is set to become the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear at a men's World Cup while lining up for Iraq.

He expressed surprise upon learning of the distinction but voiced clear pride in his roots during an interview with BBC Sport.

"To be honest, I did not even know it myself," Iqbal said. "I followed the account that posted it and sent it straight to my dad. We were both taken aback because when I aimed to qualify with Iraq I never considered anything like this."

His father was born in Pakistan and remains the person he respects most for the support given throughout his career. Iqbal was born and raised in Manchester, holding Pakistani lineage through his father and Iraqi heritage through his mother.

He demonstrates pride in both backgrounds by wearing the flags of each nation on his boots during matches, describing the two sides as equal in importance and something he carries with genuine pride.

This latest step follows an earlier breakthrough when he became the first British South Asian player in nearly two decades to feature in the Champions League.

Iqbal hopes his journey will motivate young players from similar backgrounds to pursue professional careers despite the challenges involved.

"I am still young but I will be the first Pakistani player at the World Cup, so hopefully a few kids who dream of becoming footballers will see that and believe it is possible too," he said. "Football demands commitment and hard work, and everyone faces ups and downs along the way."

Ahmed Shahzad, who operates the Pakistani Talents social media account focused on the development of the sport in the country, noted the widespread excitement among fans who now have a player and a team to follow at the tournament.

"Every Pakistani football fan knows about Zidane Iqbal," Shahzad told BBC Sport. "There has been very little representation at the highest level, so seeing someone embrace their identity at the World Cup makes the dream feel more attainable for young players of Pakistani heritage both at home and abroad."

Iraq completed a demanding 21-match qualifying campaign, the longest of any nation, to secure their spot as the final team to reach the finals, marking their first appearance since Mexico 1986.

Iqbal believes the team can exceed expectations in a group that includes France, Norway and Senegal, describing the occasion as a chance to perform without pressure as underdogs returning to the tournament after four decades.