New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Highlighting the presence of two players of Indian heritage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, he described it as an important milestone for Indian football fans.“A historic moment for Indian football fans. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, we will have two players of Indian heritage taking the world stage,” Tharoor wrote on X.Tharoor points to 19-year-old winger Tahseen Muhammad Jamshed, who has become the first Indian-origin player to be selected for Qatar’s national team. He noted that Jamshed’s family traces its roots to Kannur in Kerala. He also highlighted Australian winger Nishan Veluplay, whose family originates from Tamil Nadu.“19-year-old winger Tahseen Muhammad Jamshed made history as the first Indian-origin player to be selected for the Qatar national team, proud of his family’s roots in Kannur, Kerala. Meanwhile, Australia’s 26-man squad includes the dynamic 25-year-old from Melbourne Victory,” he said in Tamil. addedTharoor said the two players continue the legacy established by former France midfielder Vikash Dhurasu, whose ancestors came from Andhra Pradesh before settling in Mauritius and France. Dhurasso represented France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and finished as runner-up.“He follows in the footsteps of the handsome and creative midfielder Vikash Dhurasu, whose ancestors hailed from Vijayanagaram in Andhra Pradesh (migrated to Mauritius and later France), who played for the French national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, winning a runners-up medal.” MP wrote.Expressing pride in the achievements of the Indian diaspora, Tharoor said, “It’s great to see global Indians making their mark on football’s biggest platform. Best wishes to both youngsters as they head to North America.”The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
