Who is Sarpreet Singh? Indian-origin midfielder making waves for New Zealand at FIFA World Cup 2026

Auckland-born Sarpreet Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian-origin player to start a FIFA World Cup match, anchoring New Zealand's midfield in their hard-fought 2-2 draw against Iran in their Group G opener in Los Angeles. Singh, donning the coveted No. 10 jersey, played a pivotal role in the All Whites' spirited performance, contributing to their first goal and attempting three shots before his 90th-minute substitution. The 27-year-old's journey to football's biggest stage is a testament to resilience, marked by a significant Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury earlier this year that threatened his World Cup participation. Having recovered and returned to Wellington Phoenix on loan from Serbian club FK TSC, Singh's inclusion and impactful debut resonate deeply with Indian fans globally, following a path previously paved by France's Vikash Dhorasoo and Australia's Nishan Velupillay, who also carry Indian heritage. With all four teams in Group G — New Zealand, Iran, Belgium, and Egypt — currently tied with one point each, the stakes are exceptionally high for the upcoming fixtures. Singh and the All Whites will face Egypt in Vancouver on June 21, a crucial encounter that could significantly impact their chances of progressing beyond the group stage in this expanded 48-team tournament.