Sarpreet Singh Set to Make History as First Sikh Player at FIFA World Cup 2026

They say no major global sporting event is complete without a Singh. While India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, is absent from the FIFA World Cup 2026, the tournament will still feature a significant Sikh presence.

Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. It has also drawn attention for soaring ticket prices, prompting FIFA officials to defend the tournament’s pricing structure.

Beyond the action on the field, the event is witnessing strong participation from Sikh communities across North America. At venues throughout Canada and the United States, Sikh volunteers can be seen serving in a variety of roles, including security, accreditation, transportation, logistics, and information technology. Many are international students or work permit holders, while others are second- and third-generation Canadians and Americans.

The spotlight, however, will be on New Zealand international Sarpreet Singh, who is believed to be the first Sikh player to compete at a FIFA World Cup.

Born in New Zealand in 1999 to parents of Punjabi heritage, Singh will represent the country of his birth on football’s biggest stage. His selection also highlights the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in international sports.

His appearance recalls the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when India failed to qualify for the men’s hockey tournament for the first time since 1928. Several players of Punjabi Sikh heritage represented Canada at those Games, including Bindi Kular, who hailed from Sansarpur, a village in Punjab renowned for producing international hockey players. Singh’s family roots trace back to the same sporting region.

Singh’s international journey began at the youth level when he was named to New Zealand’s squad for the 2015 OFC Under-17 Championship. He later represented the country at the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, where New Zealand’s campaign ended against the United States in the Round of 16.

He returned for the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, helping New Zealand reach the knockout stage once again. The Kiwis were eliminated by Colombia in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

Singh earned his first senior national team call-up in March 2018 for a friendly against Canada in Murcia, Spain, making a second-half appearance in a 1-0 defeat. He scored his first international goal on June 2, 2018, against Kenya during the Intercontinental Cup. In the same tournament, he provided both assists in New Zealand’s 2-1 victory over India.

Now, Singh has been named to New Zealand’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the first player of Indian Punjabi heritage to appear at the tournament since Vikash Dhorasoo represented France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Drawn in Group G alongside Iran, Egypt, and Belgium, New Zealand opens its World Cup campaign against Iran on June 15.

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