FIFA World Cup 2026: Everything to know about Indian-origin players Sarpreet Singh, Samuel Moutoussamy, Tahsin Jamshid, and Nishan Velupillay, who are set to feature in the tournament.
Cricket may enjoy widespread popularity and attention in India, but every four years the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws significant interest in football as well, often sparking searches for Indian connections. This year, four players of Indian origin are set to feature in the tournament. Who are they, and which countries do they represent? Here’s a quick overview.
Sarpreet Singh (New Zealand)
Born in Auckland, Sarpreet Singh traces his roots to Punjab. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder has built an impressive career that began with A-League side Wellington Phoenix. He has represented New Zealand at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015 and later at the FIFA U-20 World Cups in 2017 and 2019. He was subsequently signed by Bayern Munich before leaving the club four years later.
Singh later returned to Wellington Phoenix on loan from Serbian club FK TSC. Speaking to The Athletic, he said, “I try to be a difference maker. As a No. 10 or attacking midfielder, you have to be the difference whether that’s creating plays, scoring or just deciding what to do at the right moment.”
Samuel Moutoussamy (Congo)
Representing the Democratic Republic of Congo, Samuel Moutoussamy has Tamil ancestry. Although the 29-year-old was born in France, he plays for Congo under FIFA eligibility rules, which allow players to represent a country if their parents or grandparents were born there and hold its nationality (his mother is Congolese). He currently plays for Greek Super League club Atromitos.
Nishan Velupillay (Australia)
Born in Melbourne, Nishan Velupillay has a Malaysian father with Sri Lankan roots and an Anglo-Indian mother. The 25-year-old winger plays for Australian club Melbourne Victory and has emerged as one of the rising talents in Australian football. He gained wider attention after scoring a goal against China in a qualifying match last year.
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (Qatar)
Born in Doha to Malayali parents, Tahsin Jamshid is set to represent Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 19-year-old winger has already featured for Qatar’s U-16 and U-17 teams and made his senior international debut in a qualifying match against Afghanistan.
