After Nishan Velupillai, another footballer of Indian origin will impress on his FIFA World Cup debut

After Australia’s Nishan Velupillai, Indian footballer Sarpreet Singh made his FIFA World Cup debut on Tuesday, June 15. Sarpreet, who plays as an attacking midfielder for New Zealand, became the first player of Indian origin to feature in a FIFA World Cup match. While Nishan was involved in Australia’s win against Turkey, he came on as a 61st minute substitute.

Born in Auckland to Punjabi parents, 27-year-old Sarpreet made his World Cup debut in the politically charged clash against Iran and had a couple of tries. He was named in the starting eleven by head coach Darren Bazeley and played almost the entire match before being substituted in the 90th minute.

Bazeley kept faith with Sarpreet until the closing stages as Iran fought back for a goal twice to secure a 2-2 draw. Sarpreet, wearing the number 10 jersey, had three shots on goal, including one in the 61st minute that was saved by the Iranian goalkeeper. He operated centrally in New Zealand’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

New Zealand will face Egypt in their second Group G match on June 21 in Vancouver.

The Kiwis got off to a great start and took the lead in the seventh minute. Chris Wood turned provider and set up Elijah Just, who volleyed past Alireza Beiranvand from inside the penalty area.

Iran responded well and equalized in the 32nd minute through Ramin Rezaeian. The defender reacted the fastest in the penalty area and kicked the ball home from close range.

New Zealand regained the lead in the 54th minute through Just, who scored his second goal of the game. Wood was the creator again and the Motherwell winger calmly lifted the ball over Beiranvand to restore his side’s advantage.

However, Iran responded again 10 minutes later. Mohammad Mohebbi crossed to the back post and made it 2:2 with a header.

Both teams continued to push for victory, but neither side could find the decisive goal as the game ended in a draw.

The result leaves Group G delicately balanced after Belgium and Egypt also drew 1-1 on Monday.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

16 Jun 2026 16:57 IST