India’s long wait to qualify for a FIFA World Cup continues. But before you feel disappointed, here’s some exciting news: the 2026 tournament will have a strong Indian connection after all.
The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11. While the Blue Tigers won’t be there, four footballers with Indian roots are set to represent four different nations on the biggest stage. For Indian football fans, this is a proud and historic moment.
Let’s meet these players.
1. Sarpreet Singh (New Zealand) – The Midfielder from Punjab
The most recognizable name on this list is Sarpreet Singh, a 27-year-old midfielder born in Wellington to parents from Jalandhar, Punjab. Once signed by Bayern Munich, Singh has overcome a serious knee injury to return to top form. He currently plays for Wellington Phoenix and has 24 caps for New Zealand. Expect him to play a key role for the All Whites in midfield.
2. Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (Qatar) – The Kerala Kid
At just 19, Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is one of the youngest Indian-origin players at the World Cup. Born in Doha to parents from Kannur, Kerala, this speedy winger developed at Qatar’s famous Aspire Academy. He’s already made history as the first Indian-origin footballer to play in the Qatar Stars League. Now, he’s ready to shine for Qatar on home-like turf.
3. Nishan Velupillay (Australia) – Tamil Heritage on the Wing
Nishan Velupillay, 25, is an Australian winger with Anglo-Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil heritage. A product of Melbourne Victory’s academy, he scored on his senior Socceroos debut and has earned six caps. He becomes one of the most prominent footballers of Tamil descent ever to play in a World Cup.
4. Samuel Moutoussamy (DR Congo) – The Tamil Connection from Paris
Samuel Moutoussamy, 29, was born in Paris to a Congolese mother and an Indo-Guadeloupean father with Tamil roots. The defensive midfielder has 57 caps for DR Congo and has played for Nantes in France. He’s expected to be a key figure as the Leopards face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in the group stage.
Honourable Mention: Niall Mason (Qatar – Preliminary Squad)
Defender Niall Mason, born in England to an Indian mother, made Qatar’s preliminary World Cup squad but missed the final cut. Still, his inclusion shows the growing Indian footprint.
Why This Matters
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called this “a historic moment for Indian football fans.” It follows in the footsteps of French legend Vikash Dhorasoo (2006 World Cup runner-up with Indian roots).
So while India isn’t at the World Cup, our heritage is. Cheer for Singh, Tahsin, Velupillay, and Moutoussamy – they’re carrying a piece of India with them.
