First Indian-Origin Player to Start FIFA World Cup 2026 Match New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh made history by becoming the first player of Indian origin to start a FIFA World Cup 2026 match. The 27-year-old, born in Auckland to Punjabi parents, was included in the starting XI for New Zealand’s Group G clash against Iran in Los Angeles. Coach Darren Bazeley trusted Singh throughout the game, substituting him in the 90th minute. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Singh wearing the No. 10 jersey and attempting three shots on goal. New Zealand will next face Egypt on June 21 in Vancouver. Singh’s milestone marks a significant moment for South Asian representation in global football. His journey to this achievement began with early exposure to the sport in India, where he played in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai. During that tournament, he faced Sunil Chhetri, India’s legendary striker, and even scored against Kenya. His performances in India earned him recognition, and he later contributed to New Zealand’s victory over India, though the hosts ultimately won the title. Singh’s career took a pivotal turn in 2019 when he became the first player of Indian descent to appear in Germany’s top division, making his debut for Bayern Munich. His strong performances with the reserve team under manager Hansi Flick earned him a spot in the first-team squad, which went on to win the Bundesliga. After stints in Portugal and Serbia, Singh returned to New Zealand in 2025, recovering from an injury to secure a place in the country’s 26-player World Cup squad. The significance of Singh’s achievement is underscored by FIFA’s eligibility rules, which allow players to represent a nation if a parent or grandparent was born there and the player holds that nation’s passport.#iran #new_zealand #los_angeles #fifa_world_cup_2026 #sarpreet_singh
Sarpreet Singh becomes first Indian-origin player to start a FIFA World Cup match New Zealand attacking midfielder Sarpreet Singh made history by becoming the first footballer of Indian origin to start a FIFA World Cup match, featuring in his team’s 2-2 draw against Iran in their Group G opener on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The 27-year-old, born in Auckland to Punjabi parents, was named in the starting XI by head coach Darren Bazeley and played the majority of the 90-minute contest, being substituted only in the 90th minute. His inclusion marked a significant milestone for players of Indian descent in international football. Singh, who wore the No. 10 jersey, operated in the central midfield for New Zealand’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Throughout the match, he had three attempts on goal, including a notable shot in the 61st minute that failed to beat the Iranian goalkeeper. The politically charged encounter saw Iran mount a comeback from a goal down, eventually securing a 2-2 draw. Bazeley’s decision to trust Singh for the full duration of the match highlighted the player’s importance to the team’s strategy. This achievement comes amid a broader context of Indian-origin players making their mark in global football. Two days prior, Nishan Velupillay, another player of Indian descent representing Australia, made his World Cup debut in his team’s 2-0 victory over Turkey in Vancouver. Velupillay, 25, entered the match from the bench in the 60th minute, having been born in Melbourne to an Anglo-Indian mother and a Malaysian father of Sri Lankan Tamil descent. Before this World Cup, Vikash Dhorasoo of France was the only player of Indian descent to have participated in a World Cup game.#iran #new_zealand #fifa_world_cup #sarpreet_singh #darren_bazeley
