While India will once again be absent from football’s biggest stage, Indian football fans will still have reason to celebrate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 through two players whose roots trace back to the subcontinent.
New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh and DR Congo midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy are set to represent their respective nations at the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which kicks off on June 11, carrying with them stories that reflect the global reach of the Indian diaspora.
Among the two, Sarpreet’s selection is particularly historic, reported The Mint. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder becomes the first footballer of Sikh and Punjabi heritage to be named in a men’s FIFA World Cup squad. Born in Auckland to parents who emigrated from Jalandhar, Punjab, Sarpreet has emerged as one of New Zealand’s most influential players.
His football journey has been remarkable. After rising through the ranks of the Wellington Phoenix academy, Sarpreet caught global attention during the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019. His performances earned him a move to German giants Bayern Munich, making him the first player of Indian descent to play for the Bavarian powerhouse and compete in the Bundesliga.
Since then, he has played across Germany, Portugal, and Serbia before returning to Wellington Phoenix to regain fitness ahead of the World Cup. Sarpreet played a crucial role in helping New Zealand qualify for only their third World Cup appearance and their first since 2010.
For Sarpreet, representing New Zealand while proudly embracing his Indian heritage is a matter of pride. He has often spoken about the support of his mother, Sarabjit, whose encouragement helped him pursue football despite traditional expectations, and has expressed a desire to inspire young South Asians to dream of careers in professional football.
Joining him on football’s grandest stage is Samuel Moutoussamy, whose heritage spans three continents, reported the Business Standard.
Born in Paris, the 29-year-old midfielder represents DR Congo through his mother, while his father is an Indo-Guadeloupean of Tamil ancestry. His Indian roots can be traced back to South Indian indentured labourers who migrated to the Caribbean in the 19th century.
Moutoussamy has become a key figure in the DR Congo national team since making his debut in 2019, earning more than 50 international caps. Known for his composure, defensive discipline and leadership in midfield, he currently plays for Greek club Atromitos after spells with FC Nantes and Turkish side Sivasspor.
