The Tim Payne Phenomenon đ€Ż And why Callan Elliot might start in his place at the FIFA World Cup
The Unused SubsShow Notes
¿Por qué Tim Payne no serå titular con Nueva Zelanda?
TIM PAYNE! The New Zealand All Whites footballer who has become the accidental hero of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thanks to social media influencer Elscarso, the Wellington Phoenix right back went from 4,715 Instagram followers to around 4 million at the time of writing this blurb. WILD!
But what happens when your social media channel 'blows up'? Especially on the eve of the biggest football tournament in your career! It must be incredibly tempting to use the new audience for financial gain... but you've got a job to do across Canada, USA and Mexico - a big job, one that you've been working towards your whole life!
The Unused Subs discuss Payney's social media explosion, how NZ Football as a whole might leverage off of it, and ask an even bigger question (which has the potential to disappoint around about 4 to 5 million fans): WILL TIM EVEN START AT THE WORLD CUP!?
The answer to that question lies with this week's special guest, CALLAN ELLIOT. After winning the A-League Championship with Auckland FC, and before he jetted off to the World Cup, he spent some time with the lads talking about his form this season, the sleepless nights ahead of World Cup selection, and how he plans on pushing Tim exceptionally hard for a spot in the All Whites Starting XI.
Given that Callan had just been partying for two straight days following Auckland's Grand Final win over Sydney FC, his performance on the bench this week is even more impressive! But will it be he or Tim Payne on the bench against Iran in Game One?
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