Our Bureau
New York, NY
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 prepares to kick off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, India may once again be missing from football’s biggest stage. However, the tournament will still feature a strong Indian connection, with four players of Indian origin set to represent their respective nations.
India’s hopes of qualifying for the expanded 48-team tournament ended during the AFC qualifying campaign, extending the nation’s wait for a maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Yet, football fans in the country will have reason to cheer as players with Indian heritage take part in the global spectacle.
Among them is New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh, whose family traces its roots to Punjab. The 29-year-old, who previously spent time with German giants Bayern Munich, has become one of the most recognizable footballers of Indian descent on the international stage.
Australia’s Nishan Velupillay, a product of Melbourne Victory’s academy system, is another player carrying South Asian heritage into the tournament. The winger has emerged as a key figure for the Socceroos after making his international debut in 2024.
Qatar’s Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, born to Malayali parents from Kerala, is among the youngest players in the competition. The highly rated attacker rose through Qatar’s Aspire Academy and has already represented the country at multiple age-group levels before breaking into the senior side.
Completing the quartet is DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy, whose family has Tamil roots. A seasoned international, Moutoussamy brings valuable experience after playing across France, the Netherlands, Turkey and Greece.
While India’s World Cup dream remains unfulfilled, the presence of these four footballers highlights the growing impact of the Indian diaspora on the global game and offers fans a unique reason to follow the tournament.
