For decades, Kerala’s football fans have passionately supported nations from across the globe at the FIFA World Cup. In 2026, they finally have a player with roots in the state to cheer for.

Nineteen-year-old Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid has been named in Qatar’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup, putting him on the verge of making history.

If the winger takes the field during the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, he will become the first player with Kerala roots and the first footballer of Indian origin to appear in a FIFA World Cup match.

Who is Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid?

Tahsin was born and raised in Doha to Malayali parents from Kannur district.

His father, Jamshid, hails from Thalassery, while his mother, Shyma, is from Valapattanam. The family moved to Qatar in 1996, and Tahsin grew up in one of Asia’s most ambitious football development systems.