First Sikh-heritage player to start World Cup match

Sarpreet Singh made history on Tuesday by becoming the first footballer of Sikh heritage to start a FIFA World Cup match, playing a key role for New Zealand in their 2-2 draw with Iran in Los Angeles. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, born in Auckland to parents from Punjab, India, played 92 minutes in the Group G opener, taking three shots at goal in a match where Iran twice came from behind to equalize.

Singh's debut is part of a notable trend at the 2026 tournament, which is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Two days earlier, Australian winger Nishan Velupillay, who also has Indian ancestry, made his World Cup debut as a substitute in Australia's 2-0 win over Türkiye. Two other players of Indian origin, Samuel Moutoussamy of DR Congo and Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid of Qatar, are also part of their respective national squads.

The moment marks a significant personal milestone for Singh, who overcame a medial collateral ligament injury suffered in February that sidelined him for eight weeks. He returned to action in April and secured his place in New Zealand's 26-man squad. Singh has spoken about the pride and responsibility of representing his culture on...