The FIFA World Cup 2026 will not feature the Indian national team, but it will still have a meaningful Indian presence. Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, Sarpr

Four Indian-Origin Players Set to Feature at FIFA World Cup 2026

Although India will not participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, the tournament will still have a strong Indian connection. For the first time in World Cup history, four players of Indian origin are set to represent four different countries on football's biggest stage. The development highlights the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in international football and offers Indian fans a unique reason to follow the tournament. (The Times of India)

The four players are:

• Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (Qatar)

• Sarpreet Singh (New Zealand)

• Nishan Velupillay (Australia)

• Samuel Moutoussamy (DR Congo)

These footballers trace their roots to different parts of India and represent the diversity and global reach of the Indian diaspora. (Telegraph India)

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A Historic Moment for Indian Football Fans

India's dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup remains unfulfilled. The country famously qualified for the 1950 FIFA World Cup but eventually withdrew from the tournament. Since then, India has never appeared in the men's FIFA World Cup. (mint)

However, the 2026 edition brings a unique milestone. Four footballers with Indian ancestry will compete in the tournament, making it one of the strongest Indian-origin representations in World Cup history. Many observers have described it as a proud moment for Indian football supporters worldwide. (The Times of India)

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Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (Qatar)

Early Life and Indian Roots

Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid was born on 16 June 2006 in Qatar to Malayali parents originally from Kannur, Kerala. His parents migrated to Qatar in the 1990s in search of better opportunities. (mint)

His father, Jamshid, played football for the University of Calicut before moving abroad, helping inspire Tahsin's football journey. (mint)

Football Career

Tahsin developed through Qatar's renowned Aspire Academy and later joined Al Duhail, one of the country's leading football clubs.

His rapid rise saw him represent Qatar at:

• U-17 level

• U-20 level

• U-23 level

• Senior national team

He made his senior international debut during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in 2024. (mint)

Significance

At just 19 years old, Tahsin is regarded as one of Qatar's most exciting young attacking talents and represents a major success story for the Indian-origin community in the Gulf region. (mint)

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Sarpreet Singh (New Zealand)

Family Background

Sarpreet Singh was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on 20 February 1997. His parents originate from Jalandhar in Punjab, India. (mint)

Rise Through Football

Sarpreet emerged as one of New Zealand's brightest football talents and attracted international attention through his performances for Wellington Phoenix.

His impressive displays earned him a move to German giants:

FC Bayern Munich

in 2019. (mint)

International Career

Sarpreet made his senior debut for New Zealand in 2018 and has represented the country in numerous international competitions.

Despite suffering a knee injury earlier in 2026, he recovered in time to be considered for the World Cup squad. (mint)

Why He Matters

Sarpreet is perhaps the most recognizable Indian-origin footballer currently playing international football and has become a role model for young footballers of Indian heritage worldwide. (Telegraph India)

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Nishan Velupillay (Australia)

Indian Heritage

Nishan Velupillay was born in Melbourne on 7 May 2001.

His mother is Anglo-Indian, while his father's family traces its roots to the Tamil community. This gives Nishan a strong South Asian heritage connection. (mint)

Club Career

Nishan developed through the youth ranks of:

Melbourne Victory FC

and established himself as a key player for the club's senior side.

He has played more than 100 matches for Melbourne Victory and has emerged as one of Australia's promising attacking players. (mint)

International Journey

Nishan made his senior debut for Australia's national team during a World Cup qualifier against China in 2024.

His pace, creativity, and versatility have made him a valuable option for the Socceroos. (mint)

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Samuel Moutoussamy (DR Congo)

Family and Heritage

Samuel Moutoussamy was born in Paris, France, on 12 August 1996.

His mother is Congolese, while his father has Indo-Guadeloupean ancestry with roots linked to the Tamil community. (mint)

Professional Career

Samuel built an impressive club career in Europe.

He spent several years with:

FC Nantes

where he made over 140 appearances.

He later continued his career in the Netherlands, Turkey, and Greece. (mint)

International Representation

Despite being born in France, Samuel chose to represent:

Democratic Republic of the Congo

and has earned more than 50 international caps since making his debut in 2019. (mint)

His experience and leadership make him one of the most established Indian-origin footballers appearing at the 2026 World Cup.

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Following the Footsteps of Vikash Dhorasoo

Before these four players, the most famous footballer with Indian roots to appear at a FIFA World Cup was:

Vikash Dhorasoo

The former French midfielder represented France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. His family traced its origins to Andhra Pradesh, India. (Telegraph India)

Twenty years later, four Indian-origin players will now carry that legacy forward on football's biggest stage.

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What This Means for Indian Football

While these players do not represent India, their presence at the World Cup demonstrates the global success of individuals with Indian heritage.

Their achievements:

• Inspire young footballers of Indian origin

• Highlight the growing influence of the Indian diaspora

• Showcase football talent emerging from multicultural backgrounds

• Strengthen India's connection with the global football community

The success of these players also raises important discussions about talent development, football infrastructure, and the future of Indian football. (The Economic Times)

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Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will not feature the Indian national team, but it will still have a meaningful Indian presence. Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, Sarpreet Singh, Nishan Velupillay, and Samuel Moutoussamy represent four different nations, yet all share a connection to Indian heritage.

Their participation marks a historic milestone for the Indian diaspora and serves as a reminder that football talent with Indian roots is increasingly making its mark on the world stage. As millions tune in to watch the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Indian football fans will have four special players to cheer for on football's grandest platform. (The Times of India)