FIFA 2026: Playing FIFA is still a dream for the whole nation. With Indian football continuing to struggle with administrative issues and off-field politics, fans have had very little to cheer about in recent times. But now, an unexpected source has given supporters a reason to feel hopeful again.
As teams that have secured qualification start shortlisting their squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several top Indian-origin players are closing in on selection. India may have missed out on qualification, but the subcontinent could still have a strong connection to football’s biggest tournament through these diaspora stars. However, some Indian-origin players will participate in the biggest football event in the world.
Niall Mason: Qatar
Niall Mason’s football journey has been anything but ordinary. The 29-year-old defender, who was born in England to an Indian mother and an American father, has experienced football across multiple cultures before breaking into the Qatar national team setup. His early training came at the famed Real Madrid Academy, where he joined as a seven-year-old. Growing up between Spain, England, and Qatar shaped both his game and personality. Mason later built a solid reputation in English football, featuring for clubs such as Doncaster Rovers and Peterborough United in the English Football League.
In 2021, he shifted his career permanently to the Middle East and has since become an important figure for Qatar Sports Club. His steady displays in the Qatar Stars League earned him his first senior national team call-up earlier this year. With his experience and versatility at the back, Mason is now viewed as a potential surprise inclusion in Qatar’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sarpreet Singh: New Zealand
Sarpreet Singh continues to be the most high-profile Indian-origin footballer on the global stage. The attacking midfielder grabbed headlines in 2019 after joining Bayern Munich, becoming the first player of Indian heritage to feature in the Bundesliga. Over the years, Singh gained valuable experience playing in Germany, Portugal, and Serbia before making a return to Wellington Phoenix in February 2026 on loan from Serbian outfit TSC Backa Topola.
His road to the 2026 World Cup, however, has not been smooth. Soon after returning to New Zealand, Singh suffered a serious knee injury during an A-League clash against Western Sydney Wanderers. The setback ruled him out for nearly two months and raised doubts over his World Cup hopes.
Despite the challenge, Singh pushed through an intense recovery process and returned to fitness in time for the crucial final phase of squad selection, keeping alive his dream of appearing on football’s biggest stage.
Tahsin Mohammed: Qatar
For Indian football followers, Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is quickly becoming a name to watch. The teenage winger was born and brought up in Doha, but his family traces its roots back to Kannur in Kerala. Football runs strongly in the family, his father, Jamshid, previously represented Calicut University and was well known for his talent on the pitch.
At just 19, Tahsin’s rise has been rapid. He recently made his senior debut for Qatar during a World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan and was also included in the squad that played against India during the qualification campaign. His pace, direct attacking style, and confidence in one-on-one situations have already caught attention, making him one of the brightest young Indian-origin prospects in Asian football.
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