"I've had quite a few people tell me that I am the first Sikh footballer at the World Cup," said Sarpreet Singh. "I carry a huge responsibility and pride." That's not a line written for a press conference — that's a man who understands exactly what he represents.
The Auckland-born attacking midfielder, 27, whose parents are of Punjabi origin, lines up for New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup having survived a serious MCL injury earlier this year that threatened his entire tournament. Eight weeks on the sideline. A race to prove his fitness. He made it. And with New Zealand's campaign opening against Iran in Group G, Singh isn't just a feel-good story — he's one of their most important players.
From Bayern Munich to Belgrade to the World Cup
Singh's career path is anything but conventional. At 16, he was already playing senior football in Australia's top division. By 2019, he'd signed for Bayern Munich — becoming the first player of Indian descent to appear in the Bundesliga when he came off the bench against Werder Bremen. He went on to make his senior start under Hansi Flick and was part of Bayern's 2019-20 title-winning squad.
That chapter ended. He moved to Portugal, then Serbia with FK TSC, then came back to Wellington Phoenix on loan in 2025. Not a trajectory that screams seamless progression. But 24 caps and three international goals later, he's at football's biggest tournament, and the All Whites are better for having him fit.
His connection to India adds another layer. In 2018, at the Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai, Singh scored against Kenya and set up both goals in a 2-1 win over India — facing Sunil Chhetri in the process. A significant chunk of the subcontinent will be watching when New Zealand kick off on Monday.
New Zealand's Group G problem
The arithmetic here is harsh. Group G contains Belgium and Egypt alongside Iran — and New Zealand sit 85th in FIFA's world rankings. The All Whites have appeared at just two previous World Cups (1982, 2010), and while they went unbeaten in South Africa — draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay — they didn't win a single game.
Their first World Cup victory is the stated target. Realistically, that means beating Iran or Egypt. Singh's creativity and ability to unlock defences in tight matches is exactly the kind of weapon a team ranked this low needs if they're going to pull off anything meaningful. If New Zealand's group odds look long, they're not wrong — but underdogs with a player capable of moments of genuine quality are worth tracking.
- New Zealand's World Cup record: 0 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses across 1982 and 2010
- Singh has 24 caps, 3 goals, and represented NZ at two U-20 World Cups and the Paris 2024 Olympics
- He recovered from an MCL injury suffered in February, returning to fitness in April
- Group G opponents: Iran, Belgium, Egypt
"Our biggest goal is to get out of the group," Singh said. "We might go a little under the radar for some people, but hopefully we can deliver strong performances and do something special."
History is already made. Whether the football matches it starts on Monday against Iran.
