Overview
- Singh started New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran on Tuesday, making him the first Sikh to take the field at a FIFA World Cup.
- Speaking to reporters in San Diego, Singh said the moment matters to his family and community and that he hopes it will 'pave the way' for more players of South Asian and Indian heritage.
- New Zealand remain in Group G after the draw and will face Egypt in Vancouver in their next match as they chase a first win at the 2026 finals.
- The 2026 tournament has multiple players of Indian or South Asian origin representing other countries, including Australia’s Nishan Velupillay and Qatar’s Tahsin Jamshid.
- Singh’s route — through New Zealand youth teams, U20 World Cups and the 2024 Olympics — and the varied club and academy paths of other players illustrate how diaspora networks, not home‑country qualification, are delivering South Asian talent to World Cup squads.