As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the spotlight is once again falling on footballers with Indian heritage. While several Indian-origin players may feature or be eligible to feature in the tournament, their stories are part of a much larger legacy that stretches back decades. From France and Australia to New Zealand, Qatar, and DR Congo, these players showcase the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in world football and its connection to soccer’s biggest stage. 

Vikash Dhorasoo from France

The former French midfielder became the first player with Indian ancestry to compete on soccer’s biggest stage when he represented France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Born in France, Dhorasoo’s family roots can be traced back to Indian Tamil ancestry from Réunion Island (a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean), rather than Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh. His journey from a family with Indian origins to the highest level of international soccer remains a significant milestone in the sport’s history.

A technically gifted midfielder known for his vision and creativity, Dhorasoo earned 18 caps for the French national team and scored once during his international career. He was part of the France squad that made a memorable run to the 2006 World Cup final, ultimately finishing as runners-up after one of the tournament’s most dramatic championship matches.

Today, Dhorasoo remains an important figure in discussions about players of Indian descent who have made their mark on the global soccer stage, paving the way for future generations to follow.

Nishan Velupillay from Australia

Australian winger Nishan Velupillay has quickly become one of the more exciting young attackers in the Socceroos setup. The 25-year-old, who plays for Melbourne Victory FC, brings speed, direct running, and an eye for goal.

Velupillay comes from a multicultural background. His father is of Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, while his mother is Anglo-Indian, giving him family connections to India as well. The upcoming tournament would mark his first appearance at a FIFA World Cup. 

His breakthrough moment came during World Cup qualifying, when he scored on his debut for Australia against China. Since then, he has added several more appearances for the national team and has already contributed three goals, helping establish himself as a rising option in Australia’s attack.

Sarpreet Singh from New Zealand

Raised in Auckland, Sarpreet Singh grew up in a hardworking Indian immigrant family whose roots are in Jalandhar, Punjab. Alongside his parents and two older siblings, he spent much of his childhood around the family-owned grocery business, an experience that helped shape his grounded personality.

Now 27, Singh has become one of New Zealand’s most recognizable footballers, making 24 appearances for the All Whites. His career reached a major milestone when he joined Bayern Munich, one of Europe’s biggest clubs, during the 2019-20 season.

Despite building his career on the other side of the world, Singh remains deeply connected to his Punjabi heritage. He has often spoken about growing up in a large, family-oriented culture where gatherings with relatives were a regular part of life. In addition to representing New Zealand at the senior level, he also competed in the FIFA U-20 World Cups in 2017 and 2019, showcasing his talent on the global stage from a young age.

Samuel Moutoussamy from DR Congo

Born in France, the midfielder carries Indian heritage through his father’s side of the family. His father belongs to the Indo-Guadeloupean community, a group descended from Indian workers, many of Tamil origin, who settled in Guadeloupe during the 19th century when the Caribbean island was part of France’s colonial network.

Growing up in France, Moutoussamy developed his soccer career in Europe, but when it came time to choose an international team, he followed his maternal roots and committed to DR Congo. Through his mother’s Congolese heritage, he became eligible to represent the Central African nation on the world stage.

Now 29, Moutoussamy has established himself as an important figure in DR Congo’s midfield. With 57 appearances for the national team, he has been a consistent presence for the Leopards, bringing experience, composure, and leadership to the squad while proudly representing a family background that connects Africa, Europe, and India.

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Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid from Qatar

At just 19 years old, Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is already making a name for himself in international soccer. Born and raised in Qatar to Indian parents from Kerala, he represents a growing generation of athletes with strong ties to both countries.

Tahsin developed through Qatar’s youth soccer system and now plays as a winger for Al Duhail, one of the country’s top clubs. His passion for the game runs in the family. His father, Jamshid, played competitive soccer in India, representing both the University of Calicut and Kerala’s sub-junior team before moving to Qatar. His mother, Shyma, is originally from Kannur, while his father’s hometown is Thalassery.

The young winger took a major step forward in 2024 when he earned his first senior appearance for Qatar during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Afghanistan. He was also part of Qatar’s squad during its World Cup qualifying campaign that included a victory over India in Doha.

Even as his international career continues with Qatar, Tahsin’s Indian roots remain an important part of his story. Reports indicate that he still holds an Indian passport while also possessing a special Qatari mission passport that enables him to compete for Qatar at the international level.

Also Read: Philadelphia FIFA World Cup Match Schedule

As the tournament approaches, these Indian-origin footballers at FIFA World Cup 2026 will not only represent their nations but also showcase the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in global football.

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