After making his FIFA World Cup debut against Iran, Indian-origin New Zealand footballer Sarpreet Singh said, "It ​means a lot to me...my people, family and...community." "I hope to see many more Singhs, Sikhs ​and Punjabi footballers coming through...and Indian heritage footballers," Singh added. "I...know I’m representing them...as well as New Zealand...so I try and do ⁠my ​best," he stated.