Kerala-Rooted Teen Set to Make FIFA World Cup History With Qatar

Published 2 June 2026 · sports

Kerala-Rooted Teen Set to Make FIFA World Cup History With Qatar Published By, Last Updated: June 02, 2026, 12:33 IST Qatar winger Tahsin Mohammed, whose

Kerala-Rooted Teen Set to Make FIFA World Cup History With Qatar Published By, Last Updated: June 02, 2026, 12:33 IST Qatar winger Tahsin Mohammed, whose family hails from Kannur, is set to become the first footballer with Kerala roots to feature at a FIFA World Cup. Rapid Read Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (X) For generations, football fans in Kerala have dreamed of seeing one of their own grace the FIFA World Cup. That long-held dream is now closer than ever to becoming reality thanks to 19-year-old Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid. The Qatar winger, whose family traces its roots to Kannur in northern Kerala, is set to be part of his country’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If he takes the field during the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Tahsin will become the first footballer with Kerala roots to play on the sport’s biggest stage.

A Journey That Began Far From Home Although born and raised in Qatar, Tahsin’s connection to Kerala remains strong. His father, Jamshid, hails from Thalassery, while his mother, Shyma, is from Valapattanam. Like many young footballers in Qatar, Tahsin’s development was shaped by the country’s highly regarded Aspire Academy, a system designed to identify and nurture elite talent. His performances there earned him opportunities with Al-Duhail and eventually a pathway into Qatar’s national team setup. His rise has been rapid. At just 17, Tahsin became the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League, a milestone that immediately drew attention from football fans in both Qatar and India. Now, the teenager stands on the verge of an even bigger achievement. Tahsin’s inclusion in Qatar’s World Cup plans marks a landmark moment not only for his family but also for Kerala football, which has long been regarded as one of India’s strongest footballing regions despite never producing a World Cup player.

The winger has steadily climbed through Qatar’s age-group ranks before breaking into the senior national-team picture during the country’s World Cup qualifying campaign. His recent appearances in international friendlies have further strengthened expectations that he could feature during the tournament. Carrying a Dream Beyond Borders India has never played a match at the FIFA World Cup despite qualifying for the 1950 edition before eventually withdrawing. While that wait continues, Tahsin’s journey offers a unique connection to football’s grandest stage. And when the World Cup begins this month, thousands back home will be watching closely, hoping to witness a piece of history unfold. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.