As FIFA World Cup 2026 captivates audiences across North America, football is once again proving why it remains the world's most unifying sport. Across packed stadiums, passionate fan bases, and nations brought together by a shared love of the game, the tournament has become a celebration of cultures, communities, and dreams.
Among those to have lived that dream is New Zealand international Sarpreet Singh.
At 27, Singh has already built a career many young footballers aspire to. He has represented New Zealand at multiple levels, competed at two FIFA U-20 World Cups, earned senior international honors, and spent time within the Bayern Munich system, an achievement few footballers from Oceania can claim. His appearance at FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the latest chapter in a journey that has taken him from New Zealand's youth ranks to some of the biggest stages in world football.
Born and raised in Auckland, Singh's rise through New Zealand football was steady rather than sudden. Growing up in a Punjabi family in a country where rugby dominates the sporting landscape, he chose a different path, one that would eventually take him across continents and into some of football's most demanding environments.
His talent became evident early. Selected for New Zealand's squad at the 2015 OFC U-17 Championship, he went on to represent his country at the FIFA U-20 World Cups in 2017 and 2019. Competing against some of the world's best young players helped shape his development and reinforced his reputation as one of New Zealand's brightest prospects.
The transition to senior football came swiftly. Singh made his debut for New Zealand in 2018 against Canada before scoring his first international goal later that year against Kenya. His performances soon attracted attention beyond Oceania, leading to a move to Germany and a stint with Bayern Munich. For a young footballer from Auckland, it was a remarkable leap and one that exposed him to the elite standards of European football.
That journey ultimately led him to the holy grail of every footballer’s dream. By representing New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Singh became the first player of Indian heritage to start a match at the FIFA World Cup. It is a milestone that extends beyond football, reflecting the growing presence of South Asians in the global sporting landscape.
"Football is the biggest sport in the world," he says. "It's the sport that brings literally everyone from all parts of the world together. There's such a special thing about this game, and to see it at this World Cup is really amazing. Across three different countries, so many games and all different cultures, religions, and all the people coming together to watch."
For Singh, football's greatest power lies in its ability to unite. "The game is for the people," he says. "And it really unites everyone together. We could hear our Kiwi fans there. They were proud of us. They've gone the extra mile to support us, and it means a lot."
As his profile has grown, so has his appreciation for what his success represents for others. "To see the growing presence of South Asians in football or in sport or in life in general, it means a lot to me," he says. "It's a very proud feeling. I think it shows that we're capable of big things and we just need to persevere and believe in ourselves more because anything's possible in this world."
His World Cup appearance carries particular significance. "To be the first Punjabi player at the World Cup, it means a lot to me," he says. "It means a lot to my family. And I'm really happy and excited to see what the future holds for both myself and also for the South Asians that are coming through the ranks."
When asked what advice he would offer aspiring footballers, Singh's answer is refreshingly straightforward.
"First and foremost, you have to work hard. It's a bit of a cliché phrase, but nothing beats hard work." At the same time, he believes ambition should never come at the expense of enjoyment. "The most important thing is to have fun along the way because if you don't enjoy what you do, then it's hard to be successful at it." Professional football, he acknowledges, can be demanding both mentally and physically. "You have to win the battles in your mind, and you have to continue to grow, to improve and to strive to be better."
Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Singh's journey is one of self-belief.
"You have to instill self-belief within yourself that you can do it," he says. "I think that's one of the areas where we can work on more as South Asian people, to really believe in ourselves and really give our best."
Sarpreet Singh's journey from Auckland to the FIFA World Cup stands as a testament to talent, perseverance, and belief. For young South Asians across the globe, his story is a reminder that the path may not always be visible, but it is possible, and that dreams, no matter how distant they seem, are worth pursuing.
