Unknown New Zealand player instantly becomes World Cup icon
An astonishing week has seen a soccer player go from obscure underdog to one of the most anticipated players at the coming FIFA World Cup thanks to a little help from a surprising source
READING LEVEL: GREEN
The power of an underdog* to pull mass support should never be underestimated – especially not when you drop an influencer into the mix.
Last week’s social media campaign on the eve of the FIFA World Cup has turned unknown New Zealand footballer Tim Payne into a global sensation, with the player gaining over five million followers in a matter of days following a modern Insta miracle.
Defender Payne, 32, is preparing to represent the All Whites in their third World Cup in their bid to achieve what they failed to do so in 1982 and 2010 by winning a match.
While Payne does play in New Zealand’s A-League for Wellington Phoenix, he was unknown to almost everyone else around the world.
Or he was unknown until his poor profile was spotted by Argentinian influencer Valen Scarsini. Also known as El Scarso, Scarsini went searching for the least known player going to the World Cup, which will be played across three host nations: the US, Canada and Mexico.
Scarsini identified Payne — who at the time had just 4700 followers on Instagram.
And after the online star’s intervention, Payne’s astonishing personal fanbase has soared beyond five million and counting.
In fact, Payne’s followers now comfortably outnumber the entire population of New Zealand.
In a video imploring* his fans to support Payne, Scarsini said: “There are only a few days left before the World Cup starts and we are all waiting to cheer for our national team, but what if there was a player who united us all, a footballer we all support regardless of their nationality?
“I searched through all the national teams playing in the World Cup for the least known one and after analysing them one by one, I found him.
“In group G, in New Zealand, there is Tim Payne. He really is the least known. He doesn’t even have 5000 followers.”
Payne is now by far the most-followed New Zealand men’s footballer — boasting millions more fans than Nottingham Forest striker and Kiwi captain Chris Wood, who currently has a comparatively modest 164,000 Instagram followers.
Payne, who has now even had a song released in support of his World Cup campaign, was quick to share a thank you message to Scarsini and his new followers.
He said: “Was wondering why my socials were blowing up and found your post, man. Appreciate the love! Gracias*, hermano*.
“I just want to say a massive thank you first to you, Valen. It’s been a pretty crazy 48 hours to say the least. I just wanted to also express that I’m very grateful to be representing my country and I appreciate all the love from all around the world.”
New Zealand, which has been drawn in Group G, begins its World Cup campaign against Iran on June 16 (AEST).
The All Whites then face Egypt six days later, before their final first-round match against Belgium on June 27.
LET’S GET BEHIND OUR SOCCEROOS
All the action of the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off this Thursday 11 June.
The mighty Socceroos have their first Group D match against Turkey on Sunday, 14 June at 2:00pm AEST, before tackling co-host nation the United States on Saturday, 20 June at 5:00am AEST. Australia’s last match of Group D against Paraguay on Friday, 26 June at 12:00pm AEST.
Some state governments and councils have organised live sites for fans to watch and support the team’s Group Stage matches and hopefully beyond from afar.
Parents and teachers can check updated location information here:
socceroos.com.au/news/socceroos-live-sites-fifa-world-cup-2026tm-every-confirmed-venue-australia
POLL
GLOSSARY
- underdog: the competitor or team considered least likely to win a fight or contest
- imploring: pleading, begging, asking for something in a very emphatic way
- gracias: “thank you” in Spanish
- hermano: “brother” in Spanish
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QUICK QUIZ
- What is the name of New Zealand’s national men’s soccer team?
- How many followers did Payne have when he was chosen as the least known player heading into the World Cup?
- Including 2026, how many times has New Zealand made a World Cup appearance?
- Who turned Payne into an overnight global sensation?
- How many followers had he amassed at the time of writing?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. What makes an underdog?
Using your existing knowledge and clues from the news story, write a definition of what you think the word “underdog” means.
Next, find a dictionary definition for the word. How closely did your definition match the dictionary definition? Explain your answer.
Explain the factors that make Tim Payne an underdog.
Work with a partner to think of, discuss, or research other examples of underdogs from history, film, sport, literature, or your own life. Write a brief paragraph describing one of these underdog stories and explain how the underdog overcame challenges to achieve success.
Time: allow 30 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Critical and Creative Thinking
2. Extension
Create a poster featuring a famous underdog.
Display your poster along with those of classmates in an “Underdogs Hall of Fame”.
Time: allow 15 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Visual Arts
VCOP ACTIVITY
My World Cup hero
Write a letter to one of the FIFA World Cup athletes. Explain to them how proud you are of them, why they are a World Cup hero to you, and that you have noticed them. Your letter can be anonymous or you can personally sign it off.
Remember when writing a letter:
Start with a greeting: Dear Sir,
Then on a new line, write the body of the letter.
Finish with a closing: Kind regards,
And finally, sign the letter.
Try to include detail and emotion in the letter to connect with your target audience: your FIFA World Cup hero.