The FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to begin from June 11, hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico. While 48 teams will be competing to vie for the coveted trophy, the ritual for football purists and fans across India will have the same question: When will India qualify for the mega tournament. Despite India not being part of the mega tournament, Indian fans might have a reason to feel a sense of ownership.
A total of three players with deep, undeniable roots in India have navigated elite development pathways to represent their respective adopted nations. They are Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, Sarpreet Singh, and Nishan Velupillay
At just 19 years old, Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid carries a unique dual legacy. Born in Doha, Jamshid's parents migrated to Qatar from Kannur, Kerala in 2006.
He honed his footballing skills in the state-of-the-art Aspire Academy. His skills and extremely match-fit tempramen made him the first Indian-origin player to feature in the Qatar Stars League, the top-flight compeition of the country. He plays for heavyweights Al Duhail SC.
Jamshid’s inclusion in the Qatari national team marks a watershed moment. For a nation that recently secured back-to-back AFC Asian Cup titles, breaking into the senior squad requires exceptional technical quality and tactical maturity.
Sarpreet Singh currently plays for Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand
No conversation about contemporary Indian-origin footballers is complete without Sarpreet Singh. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, born in Wellington, New Zealand to parents originally from Jalandhar, Punjab, has been a recognizable name for years.
Singh catapulted into global headlines in 2019 when he made his way to play for German giants Bayern Munich. He became the first Indian origin player to play in the Bundesliga. However, he has now returned to play for his childhood side Wellington Pheonix in the New Zealand top-flight.
Sarpreet Singh possesses the creative vision, the weight of pass, and the spatial awareness required to unlock tight defenses. Operating in the engine room for New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup, he carries the hopes of an island nation and the quiet pride of the Punjabi diaspora.
The journey of Nishan Velupillay to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a story of domestic grit. Born in Melbourne to an Anglo-Indian mother and a Malaysian father of Sri Lankan Tamil descent, the 25-year-old winger has been a revelation for Melbourne Victory, one of the top sides in the Australian A-League. His ability to beat defenders, deliver precise final balls, and contribute crucial goals made him impossible for Australia head coach Tony Popovic to ignore for the FIFA World Cup 2026 squad.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
