Malayali roots in FIFA 2026: Kannur’s Tahsin Mohammed among Indian-origin stars for World Cup debut
Three footballers of Indian descent have been selected for preliminary or final rosters for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 through July 19, 2026.
Among the selections is Sarpreet Singh, who was named to the New Zealand squad on Wednesday. Born in Auckland to Indian parents, the midfielder was eligible to represent India through his heritage but elected to play for the All Whites. Since making his senior international debut in 2018, the 27-year-old has established himself as a central figure in the national team.
Sarpreet Singh’s International Record
- Nationality: New Zealand
- Position: Attacking midfield
- Appearances: 26
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 7
Additionally, Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui has included Niall Mason and Tahsin Mohammed, both of whom share Indian ancestry, in his selections.
Mason, whose mother is Indian, brings a pedigree that includes time in the youth academies of Real Madrid, Southampton, and Aston Villa. Although he received his first senior call-up in March of this year, the defender is still awaiting his first senior cap.
Niall Mason’s International Record
- Nationality: Qatar
- Position: Defender
- Appearances: 0
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
The 19-year-old Tahsin Mohammed also joins the Qatari ranks, born to parents who both hail from the Kannur district of Kerala; his father, Jamshid, is from Thalassery, and his mother, Shaima, is from Valapattanam.
Mohammed holds the distinction of being the first player of Indian origin to compete in the Qatar Stars League, the nation's premier football division. The winger has made two appearances for the senior national team, most recently featuring in a World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in June 2024.
Tahsin Mohammed’s International Record
- Nationality: Qatar
- Position: Attacking midfield
- Appearances: 2
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
With inputs from Sporstar