New Delhi
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will carry a distinct Indian flavour as four players with Indian roots are set to represent four different nations at football’s biggest tournament, marking a historic first in World Cup history.
The expanded tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature a record 48 teams and 104 matches. Amid the global spectacle, the presence of four players of Indian origin highlights the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in international football.
The quartet comprises Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid of Qatar, Nishan Velupillay of Australia, Samuel Moutoussamy of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sarpreet Singh of New Zealand. Never before have four players with Indian ancestry represented four separate nations at a single FIFA World Cup.
Their participation also marks a significant milestone for Indian football followers. The last player of Indian origin to feature at a World Cup was Vikash Dhorasoo, who represented France during the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Among the four, 19-year-old Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is one of the most exciting prospects. A graduate of Qatar’s renowned Aspire Academy, the midfielder earned selection in Qatar’s final World Cup squad under coach Julen Lopetegui. Tahsin, who plays for Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, traces his roots to Kerala. His father Jamshid was a footballer at Calicut University, while his mother Shaima hails from Kannur.
Australia’s Nishan Velupillay has also secured a place in the Socceroos squad. The Melbourne Victory winger comes from a multicultural background, with a father of Tamil heritage and a mother of Anglo-Indian descent.
Another player with Tamil roots is Samuel Moutoussamy, who represents the Democratic Republic of Congo. The experienced midfielder, currently playing for Atromitos in Greece, has been a regular member of the Congolese national team since making his debut in 2019.
Completing the quartet is Sarpreet Singh, one of New Zealand’s most accomplished attacking midfielders. The 27-year-old’s family originates from Jalandhar in Punjab, and he has represented the All Whites since 2018.
As the World Cup kicks off on June 11, the achievements of these four footballers will provide a source of pride for millions of Indians worldwide. Their journeys demonstrate how talent nurtured across different continents can still maintain a strong connection to Indian heritage while shining on football’s grandest stage.