When New Zealand took the field at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Indian football fans had an unexpected connection to cheer for. Sarpreet Singh, the Auckland-born midfielder of Punjabi heritage, became the first player of Indian descent to feature at football’s biggest tournament since Vikash Dhorasoo represented France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

For a country still waiting to make its own World Cup debut, Singh’s appearance on the global stage offers a rare link to the tournament. From growing up in a Punjabi household in New Zealand to signing for Bayern Munich and representing the All Whites at the World Cup, his journey is one of the most unique stories at the tournament.

The Punjabi kid who chose football

Singh was born on February 20, 1999, in Auckland to a Punjabi family originally from Jalandhar. Growing up, sport was a constant presence in the household.

Like many Indian families, cricket occupied plenty of attention. Backyard games were routine, and Singh remains an avid follower of the sport even today.

In fact, his sporting heroes were not footballers.

“Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar are my favourites in Indian cricket,” Singh once told Khel Now. “They are incredible sportsmen and have represented the country for so many years.”

Despite rugby and cricket dominating New Zealand’s sporting landscape, football quickly became his first love.

“My family is a very typical Punjabi family with lots of uncles, aunties and cousins,” Singh told Sportstar. “We always used to play backyard cricket and a bit of basketball too.”

At seven years old, he joined football training and never looked back.

From Auckland to Bayern Munich

Singh’s rise through New Zealand football was rapid.

After developing at local clubs Papatoetoe and Onehunga Sports, he joined Wellington Phoenix’s academy in 2015 and made his senior debut as a teenager.

His breakthrough came during the 2018-19 A-League season, when he registered five goals and eight assists, earning recognition as one of New Zealand’s brightest young prospects.

The performances caught the attention of Bayern Munich.

In July 2019, the German giants signed Singh on a three-year deal, making him the first footballer of Indian descent to join Bayern Munich and the first New Zealander to play in the Bundesliga since Wynton Rufer.

While he never established himself as a regular first-team player, spells with Nürnberg, Jahn Regensburg, Hansa Rostock and clubs across Europe helped him gain valuable experience.

In 2026, he returned to Wellington Phoenix on loan to regain fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Sarpreet Singh special connection with India

Singh’s Indian connection extends beyond his surname.

One of the most memorable moments of his international career came in Mumbai during the 2018 Intercontinental Cup.

Representing New Zealand against India, Singh provided both assists in a 2-1 victory over the hosts.

“It was a crazy experience,” he recalled. “It’s a little bit strange being a Singh and playing for New Zealand in India against India.”

Despite representing New Zealand throughout his career, Singh has consistently spoken about the pride he takes in his Indian heritage, his mother’s home-cooked Punjabi food and his connection to the culture.

Sarpreet Singh World Cup dream becomes reality

Singh first represented New Zealand at youth level before featuring at the FIFA U-20 World Cups in 2017 and 2019.

He made his senior debut against Canada in 2018 and gradually established himself as a key figure for the All Whites.

His contributions helped New Zealand secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – only the nation’s third appearance at the tournament and their first since South Africa 2010.

Now 27, Singh arrives at the biggest tournament of his career with New Zealand drawn alongside Iran, Egypt and Belgium in Group G.

The All Whites will begin their campaign against Iran on June 16 before taking on Egypt and Belgium.

Why Indian fans may have a second team this summer

India will once again be absent from the World Cup.

But for many Indian football supporters, Sarpreet Singh provides a compelling reason to keep an eye on New Zealand.

A Punjabi kid who grew up idolising Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, played football in Auckland’s parks, signed for Bayern Munich and is now preparing for the biggest stage in sport.

For a nation still dreaming of its own World Cup debut, that story feels a little closer to home.