Sarpreet Singh, a footballer of Indian origin, scripted history by featuring in New Zealand’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Iran on Tuesday. The 27-year-old is the first-ever Sikh-heritage player to feature in the tournament. The Auckland-born attacking midfielder was in the starting XI as NZ played out a 2-2 draw at Los Angeles Stadium. He has also represented New Zealand at the Under-20 FIFA World Cup. Singh, whose parents are of Punjabi origin, is among the most successful footballers of Indian descent. He made
his senior international debut for New Zealand in a friendly against Canada on March 24, 2018. His first goal also came in India when he scored against Kenya at the Intercontinental Cup held in Mumbai in 2018. Singh also assisted both goals in New Zealand’s 2-1 win over India during that tournament. In 2019, Singh became the first player of Indian descent to play in Germany’s Bundesliga when he featured for Bayern Munich. He joined the German giants from A-League club Wellington Phoenix. Following his
spell in Germany, Singh spent another season with Portuguese club Uniao de Leiria before joining Serbian SuperLiga side FK TSC in 2025. Earlier this year, he returned to Wellington Phoenix on loan from the Serbian club. Singh suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in February, which kept him out for eight weeks and raised doubts over his World Cup participation. However, he returned to action in April and did enough to secure a spot in New Zealand’s 26-man squad for the tournament. So far,
he has scored three goals for New Zealand. As mentioned, Singh made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the first Sikh-heritage footballer to feature in it. Speaking to The Times of India, he said, I carry a huge responsibility and pride, representing my culture and my people. To be the first is very special. The 2026 tournament is New Zealand’s third World Cup appearance after 1982 and 2010. They are targeting their first-ever trophy.
Sarpreet Singh, Sikh-heritage, FIFA World Cup 2026, New Zealand, Iran, Los Angeles Stadium, MCL injury, Bayern Munich, Wellington Phoenix, Punjabi origin