Sarpreet Singh becomes first Sikh World Cup player and hopes to inspire South Asian footballers

New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh became the first Sikh player to appear at a FIFA World Cup when he featured in the All Whites’ 2-2 draw against Iran at Los Angeles on Monday, a milestone the 27-year-old hopes will open doors for a generation of South Asian footballers.

“It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my people, my family, my community,” Singh said from San Diego on Thursday. “I’m very happy to be the first, and pave the way for the rest of them coming through. I hope to see many more Singhs and Sikhs and Punjabi footballers coming through, and Indian heritage footballers.”

Singh’s appearance at the North American tournament arrives in a broader moment for players of South Asian descent on the world stage. Australia forward Nishan Velupillay, whose mother has southern Indian roots, and Qatar winger Tahsin Jamshid are among others of Indian heritage competing at the 2026 edition.

India has never played at a World Cup, though they did qualify for the 1950 tournament in Brazil after other Asian nations withdrew, before eventually pulling out due to financial concerns.

Singh said the connection with supporters on the subcontinent is something he has long felt. “I always know I’m representing them, as well as New Zealand, so I always try and do my best,” he said, recalling the reception New Zealand received when they played a tournament in India several years ago.

On the pitch, New Zealand twice led against Iran in Group G before being pegged back on both occasions. Elijah Just scored to put the All Whites in front, only for Ramin Rezaeian to equalise. Just struck again, but Mohammad Mohebi rescued a point for Iran late on.

Iran’s build-up to the tournament was heavily disrupted by the nation’s ongoing conflict with the United States, one of the World Cup’s three co-hosts. The squad relocated their training base to Mexico and flew into the US only for each of their three group fixtures. Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as the “most oppressed” at the tournament because of those travel restrictions.

New Zealand now turn their attention to Egypt in their second Group G fixture on Sunday in Vancouver, where they will be seeking their first World Cup victory.