New Zealand's national football team is competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Defender Tim Payne has become an unexpected social media figure after a mix-up with rapper T-Pain on DoorDash's social media posts.
What happened?
The mix-up occurred during a Group G match between New Zealand and Egypt, with DoorDash tagging T-Pain instead of Tim Payne in their posts.
Why it matters for New Zealand
The incident highlights the team's presence in the tournament and the growing interest in the players, including Tim Payne, who has gained over 5 million followers on Instagram.
What comes next?
The team will continue to compete in the World Cup, with fans and sponsors taking notice of their progress. Tim Payne's rise to fame is a notable aspect of the team's campaign.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has generated significant attention across social media platforms, with New Zealand's national team being a part of the conversation. The team's defender, Tim Payne, has played for Wellington Phoenix in Australia's A-League and has also had spells with teams in New Zealand, the United States, and Europe.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Tim Payne's Instagram followers | over 5 million |
| New Zealand's group stage opponent | Egypt |
| Tournament | 2026 FIFA World Cup |
