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India may still be awaiting its first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup, but the 2026 edition in North America will see four footballers of Indian descent representing various nations on the sport’s grandest platform.

Heading this list is Sarpreet Singh, a midfielder from Auckland whose parents are of Punjabi origin. Sarpreet created history in 2019 by becoming the first footballer of Indian descent to play in Germany’s Bundesliga when he debuted for Bayern Munich. Now 27, he has earned 24 international caps for New Zealand and will be part of their World Cup contingent.

Another prominent figure is Samuel Moutoussamy, who plays midfield for DR Congo. Born in France, Moutoussamy’s Indian lineage traces back through his Indo-Guadeloupean father of Tamil descent. The 29-year-old has represented DR Congo over 50 times at the senior international level.

Australia and Qatar squads also include players of Indian origin

Australia’s winger Nishan Velupillay is another player with Indian roots preparing for his World Cup debut. Born in Melbourne to an Anglo-Indian mother and a Malaysian father of Sri Lankan Tamil ancestry, the 25-year-old has become a key contributor to the Socceroos since making his debut in 2024.

Rounding off the group is Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, a winger born in Doha to parents from Kannur, Kerala. A product of Qatar’s prestigious Aspire Academy, Tahsin made history as the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League and has already played for Qatar’s senior national team.

The 2026 World Cup will also have an Indian football link through former Kerala Blasters FC striker Duckens Nazon, who has been selected for Haiti’s World Cup squad.

Though India continues its quest for a maiden World Cup appearance, the participation of these four players of Indian heritage underlines the expanding influence of the Indian diaspora in global football.