While India’s long wait to qualify for the FIFA World Cup continues, the 2026 edition of football’s biggest tournament will still have a distinct Indian connection.
Four players of Indian origin — Sarpreet Singh (New Zealand), Samuel Moutoussamy (DR Congo), Nishan Velupillay (Australia), and Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (Qatar) — are set to feature at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which kicks off in North America on June 11.
The quartet follows in the footsteps of former French midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo, whose ancestors hailed from Andhra Pradesh and who represented France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Sarpreet Singh (New Zealand)
Born in Auckland to Punjabi parents, Sarpreet Singh has become one of New Zealand’s most recognizable footballers. The attacking midfielder first caught the attention of Indian fans during the 2018 Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai, where he scored against Kenya and provided two assists in New Zealand’s victory over India.
In 2019, Singh made history by becoming the first player of Indian descent to play in Germany’s Bundesliga when he debuted for Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen. Under coach Hansi Flick, he went on to make his first senior start and was part of Bayern’s Bundesliga-winning squad during the 2019–20 season.
The 27-year-old has since played in Portugal and Serbia before returning to Wellington Phoenix on loan. Despite an injury setback earlier this year, Singh recovered in time to secure a place in New Zealand’s 26-member World Cup squad. He has earned 24 international caps and scored three goals for his country.
Samuel Moutoussamy (DR Congo)
Midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy brings a unique heritage to the tournament. Born in France to a Congolese mother and an Indo-Guadeloupean father of Tamil ancestry, Moutoussamy represents DR Congo on the international stage.
The 29-year-old currently plays for Greek club Atromitos and has amassed 57 caps for DR Congo since making his senior debut in 2019. Before moving to Greece, he enjoyed spells with French side FC Nantes and Turkish club Sivasspor.
Moutoussamy’s Indian roots trace back to South Indian labourers who migrated to Guadeloupe during the late 19th century, making him another player carrying a historical Indian connection to football’s grandest stage.
Nishan Velupillay (Australia)
Australia winger Nishan Velupillay is another player with Indian heritage set for a World Cup debut. Born in Melbourne to an Anglo-Indian mother and a Malaysian father of Sri Lankan Tamil descent, the 25-year-old has rapidly emerged as a key figure for the Socceroos.
Velupillay made an instant impact on his international debut in October 2024 by scoring against China during World Cup qualification. Since then, he has earned eight caps and scored three goals, all in qualifying matches.
Currently representing Melbourne Victory in the A-League, Velupillay developed through local youth systems before progressing to professional football. He is among several fresh faces expected to make their World Cup debut for Australia this year.
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (Qatar)
The youngest among the four, Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, will celebrate his 20th birthday just days after the tournament begins.
Born in Doha to Malayali parents from Kerala’s Kannur district, Tahsin developed his game at Qatar’s renowned Aspire Academy. He became the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League and currently plays for Al Duhail SC.
The winger made his senior international debut for Qatar in 2024 during the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup. Interestingly, he was part of the Qatar squad that faced India during a controversial World Cup qualifying encounter in Doha in June 2024.
Though still searching for his first international goal, Tahsin is regarded as one of Qatar’s brightest young prospects and could make history as the youngest player of Indian origin to feature at a FIFA World Cup.
India’s Presence on Football’s Biggest Stage
India may not have qualified for the FIFA World Cup, but the presence of four players with Indian roots ensures that the country will still have a representation at the global showpiece. Their stories reflect the vast Indian diaspora spread across the world and highlight the growing influence of players of Indian origin in international football.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, Indian football fans will have more than one reason to follow the fortunes of New Zealand, DR Congo, Australia, and Qatar.
