First Singh to play in FIFA World Cup: NZ's Sarpreet wants more Indians there

FIFA World Cup 2026: Sarpreet Singh said his World Cup appearance for New Zealand carried deep meaning for his family and community. His milestone as the first Sikh on this stage has widened the conversation on South Asian representation in football.

In Short

• Singh said the moment mattered deeply to his family, people and community
• He hopes more Sikhs, Punjabis and Indian-heritage footballers follow this path
• India qualified in 1950 but withdrew, and still await a debut

New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh has spoken about the significance of his World Cup appearance, highlighting what it means for players of South Asian heritage on football’s biggest stage. The 27-year-old became the first Sikh to feature at a FIFA World Cup when he played in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw against Iran in Los Angeles on June 16.

While India continues to wait for a maiden World Cup appearance, Singh’s milestone has added a symbolic layer to the representation of Indian-origin players at the global tournament. He became the first Indian-origin and Sikh player to start in a FIFA World Cup match

Speaking at the team hotel in San Diego, Singh reflected on the emotional weight of his achievement and its wider impact on his community.

“It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my people, my family, my community,” he said as quoted by Reuters.

India remain one of the major football nations yet to qualify for the World Cup, despite briefly earning a place in the 1950 edition in Brazil before withdrawing due to financial constraints. Since then, the country has struggled to make an impact in qualification campaigns, although interest in the sport has steadily grown.

“I’m very happy to be the first, and pave the way for the rest of them coming through. I hope to see many more Singhs and Sikhs and Punjabi footballers coming through, and Indian heritage footballers,” he added.

A GROWING INDIAN FOOTPRINT IN WORLD FOOTBALL

Several players of Indian heritage are now representing other nations at the highest level. Australia forward Nishan Velupillay, whose mother has roots in southern India, and Qatar winger Tahsin Jamshid are among those featuring at the tournament in North America, underlining the increasing global footprint of South Asian talent.

Singh also recalled the support he received when New Zealand played a tournament in India a few years ago, saying the experience strengthened his sense of connection with fans from the region.

“I always know I’m representing them, as well as New Zealand, so I always try and do my best,” he said.

Singh’s breakthrough appearance comes at a time when conversations around representation in global football are gaining momentum. While India continues to search for their first World Cup qualification, the presence of players with Indian heritage across multiple national teams highlights the growing diaspora influence in the sport. For many, Singh’s achievement is being seen as both a personal milestone and a sign of broader possibilities for future generations aspiring to reach football’s highest stage.

New Zealand will next face Egypt in their Group G clash on June 21 in Vancouver, aiming for their first win of the tournament.

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