How well did Tim Payne play in his 2026 World Cup debut? All stats & analysis
The New Zealand defender has played his first ever match in the World Cup againt IR Iran.
Tim Payne became an internet sensation without ever stepping foot on a 2026 World Cup pitch. The 32-year-old New Zealand defender went from being an unheralded A-League player to boasting an Instagram following of 5.8 million—surpassing his country’s actual population.
On the field, New Zealand secured its first point of the tournament following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Iran at Los Angeles Stadium.
Tim Payne’s stats in his World Cup debut
Payne was chosen by head coach Darren Bazeley to start at right-back for New Zealand, logging 77 minutes before being substituted. During the game, he completed one tackle, one interception, won 3 out six duels, completed 26 out of 32 passes (81%) and tried three crosses, none were succesful. He also committed one foul.
Defensively, Payne was caught in difficult positions on both of Iran’s scoring plays, as Iran found success attacking from the opposite side of the pitch. On Iran’s first goal, Payne could do little to intervene as the build-up materialized along the left flank, leaving him to watch as Ramin Rezaeian smashed home a rebound.
It was a similar story on the second equalizer; the play developed on the opposite wing, leaving Payne stranded as Mohammad Mohebbi rose to head home a cross from the deep side.
New Zealand’s World Cup schedule and group
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Saturday, June 20, 9:00 p.m. ET New Zealand vs Egypt
- Friday, June 26, 11:00 p.m. ET New Zealand vs Belgium
For now Group G is all tied up after Belgium’s and Egypt’s 1-1 draw, everyone has one point.
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