Sarpreet Singh: First Player of Indian Origin to Start in FIFA World Cup 2026 Match

In a historic moment for New Zealand football, Sarpreet Singh has become the first player of Indian descent to start a match in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 27-year-old midfielder played almost the entire match in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Iran.

Singh, who was born to Punjabi parents, has previously made headlines for his accomplishments with Bayern Munich, where he achieved significant success during his tenure at the club before moving on to represent New Zealand on the international stage.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, features several other players of Indian origin, including Australias Nishan Velupillay, DR Congos Samuel Moutoussamy, and Qatars Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid. This inclusion of players with Indian heritage highlights the growing diversity in international football and the expanding reach of the sport across different cultures.

As the tournament progresses, Singhs performance and the representation of Indian-origin players will continue to draw attention, showcasing the global nature of the game and the contributions of athletes from diverse backgrounds.