India (Commonwealth Union)_ India may still be waiting for its first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup, but the 2026 edition will have a distinct Indian connection. For the first time in World Cup history, four footballers with Indian roots are set to feature in the competition, representing Qatar, New Zealand, Australia and DR Congo. Their journeys are remarkably different, but each player carries a unique link to India while competing on football’s biggest stage.
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid: Qatar’s Rising Star
Of the four players, Qatar winger Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is the youngest. The 19-year-old was born in Doha to parents originally from Kannur, Kerala. He developed through Qatar’s highly regarded Aspire Academy, which has produced several top football talents in the country. Tahsin’s rise has been rapid. He did well at club level for Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League and was brought into the national team setup and was soon one of the country’s promising youngsters. His selection for the World Cup is another major achievement in a career that is only just beginning. At 19, he is also the youngest footballer of Indian heritage ever to be included in a FIFA World Cup squad.
Sarpreet Singh: New Zealand’s midfield creative leader
Sarpreet Singh is perhaps the most recognizable name in the group. Born in Auckland to Punjabi parents, Singh progressed through New Zealand’s football ranks before making headlines in 2019 by signing for Bayern Munich. The move saw him become one of the very few players of Indian descent to join one of Europe’s most prestigious football clubs. Despite limited opportunities with Bayern’s senior team, the transfer helped build his international profile and inspired many young footballers from the Indian diaspora. Now 27, Singh has become a key figure for New Zealand. He is known for his creativity, vision and technical ability and is expected to play a key role in the team’s midfield during the World Cup. Although he has represented New Zealand in youth level World Cups before, the 2026 tournament will be his senior World Cup debut.
Samuel Moutoussamy: A unique link to Tamil Nadu
DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy brings a different and fascinating Indian connection to the tournament. Born in France, Moutoussamy traces part of his ancestry to Tamil Nadu. His family history goes back generations to south Indian indentured labourers who migrated to the Caribbean. The midfielder has spent his entire professional career in France, enjoying a long spell with Nantes and gaining much experience in Ligue 1. Known for his discipline, consistency and hard work, he has been a trusted member of the DR Congo national team. Since his international debut in 2019, Moutoussamy has amassed more than 50 caps and heads into the World Cup as one of the most experienced players amongst those of Indian heritage.
Nishan Velupillay: Australia’s Rising Attacking Star
Australia’s Nishan Velupillay has gradually emerged as one of the nation’s exciting attacking prospects. Born in Melbourne to a family of Tamil heritage, the winger graduated through the youth ranks of Melbourne Victory before making the senior national team. Velupillay announced himself in style when he scored within minutes of making his international debut against China in a World Cup qualifier in 2024. Since then he has become an important attacking weapon for Australia due to his speed, energy and direct style of play. At 25, the World Cup will be the biggest test of his career so far and an opportunity to showcase his talent on a global stage.
Remembering The Trailblazer
Before these four players, only one footballer of Indian origin had appeared at a men’s FIFA World Cup. Former France midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo, whose family roots trace back to present-day Andhra Pradesh, represented France at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He played two matches during France’s run to the final and became the first player of Indian ancestry to feature in the tournament. More than two decades later, a fresh team of Indian-origin footballers is poised to follow in his footsteps, underscoring the growing footprint of the global Indian diaspora in world football.
