First Indian Passport Holder To Play At A FIFA World Cup: Who Is Tahsin Jamshid?

When Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid steps onto the pitch at the FIFA World Cup 2026 , he will carry the hopes of a nation that has never qualified for football’s biggest stage. The 19-year-old has been named in Qatar’s 26-member squad for the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, becoming the first Indian passport holder to feature in a FIFA World Cup.

Born in Qatar on June 16, 2006 , his journey traces back to his parents from Kerala . His father Jamshid Thachankandy , originally from Thalassery, is a former University of Calicut footballer and Santosh Trophy player for Kerala, whose career ended due to injury. His mother Shaima, from Valapattanam in Kannur district, along with his father, built a life in Qatar. His father later became his first coach and mentor, working as an accountant in Qatar.

Tahsin holds both an Indian passport and a Qatari mission passport , allowing him to represent Qatar in major tournaments. After progressing through Qatar’s youth systems and training at the Aspire Academy , he made his senior debut for Al Duhail in 2024. He later featured in Qatar’s U-16, U-17, and U-20 teams before breaking into the senior squad.

Selected after impressing in training camps in the United States, he is among the youngest players at the World Cup 2026 . Qatar are placed in Group B with Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, opening their campaign against Switzerland on June 13, 2026 .

In Valapattanam, Kerala , celebrations erupted with sweets and banners as locals celebrated his rise. Indian MP Shashi Tharoor also called it a historic moment, highlighting the pride of the Indian diaspora .

For India, which has never reached a World Cup, Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid represents a symbolic presence on football’s grandest stage.