New Zealand defender Tim Payne has seen his signed Olimpia debut shirt trigger a fierce bidding war, with offers surpassing $3,200 shortly after going to auction. Having become a global social media sensation during the 2026 World Cup, the 32-year-old full-back continues to ride a remarkable wave of popularity with the Paraguayan powerhouse.
The World Cup has a remarkable ability to completely alter the course of careers. There is no grander stage in the game, meaning impressive performances garner the kind of acclaim and attention that is simply not possible in any other arena. Consequently, the transfer market tends to go wild in and around World Cups, as clubs scramble to snap up previously hidden gems or suddenly established stars.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
New Zealand
