Tim Payne closed his participation in the 2026 World Cup with New Zealand after the All Whites were eliminated in the group stage. The defender, who started in all three games of the tournament, will now begin a new stage in Olimpia in Paraguay.
Payne was one of the most talked about names in New Zealand during the World Cup, not only for his participation on the field, but also for the notoriety he achieved on social media during the tournament.
According to Opta Analyst, the right-back played in all three Group G games as a starter. He played 78 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Iran, 85 minutes in the 3-1 loss against Egypt and 64 minutes in the 5-1 loss against Belgium, for a total of 227 minutes.
In addition, he registered an assist against Egypt and contributed from the right sector in a campaign that ended with New Zealand eliminated after adding one point in three games.
Born on January 10, 1994 in Auckland, Payne has represented the New Zealand senior team since 2012 and has an extensive career with the All Whites.
After the World Cup, the defender will face a new challenge in South America. Olimpia of Paraguay officially confirmed his signing, so Payne will arrive in Paraguayan football with the international visibility that his participation in the World Cup gave him.