But it soon became clear that DoorDash knew exactly what they were doing—and that T-Pain was in on the joke. Indeed, to top off the exchange, the “Good Life” hitmaker posted a video of himself unboxing a huge DoorDash order meant for Tim, containing a soccer ball, Kiwis and Tim Tams.
“I do not play soccer. And I did not order all this s–t!!!” he captioned the clip. “@DoorDash come get this man’s stuff #DoorDashPartner.”
After the exchange went viral, DoorDash detailed the inspiration behind their clever partnership with the musician.
Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Fanatics,Photo by Harry How – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images“Our goal during the World Cup is to show up in the moment and fuel the frenzy while fans prioritize what they care about most, fútbol,” the company told People in a statement June 23. “Early in the tournament, we noticed Tim Payne was having a moment as New Zealand’s breakout fan favorite. We also couldn’t ignore that the internet’s most beloved musician shares a nearly identical name.”
“So, in partnership with T-Pain, we executed a fun campaign to connect fans from around the world,” the statement added, “and remind people that DoorDash has whatever they need throughout the World Cup.”
But when the company first approached T-Pain with the idea, he wasn’t initially sold.
“When DoorDash first hit me up about another T-Payne, I thought somebody was messing with me. I was like, ‘Hold up… there’s two of us now?’” he told the outlet. “Then I saw Tim doing his thing at the World Cup and I was like, ‘Alright…that’s close enough.’”
He continued, “Had to team up with DoorDash to show my fellow T-Pain (Payne) some love. Tim, if you’re out there, we need to link up.”
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty ImagesTim, 32, became an overnight sensation after Argentine content creator Valen Scarsini dubbed him the “least-known player in the World Cup,” challenging fans to change that title.
In a matter of weeks, the New Zealand starting defender’s Instagram following jumped from less than 5,000 followers to its current 5.9 million.
And as Tim noted, he’s still getting used to his newfound fame.
“This has been overwhelming and you guys are awesome!” Tim wrote on Instagram June 5. “Especially everyone in Argentina and Mexico and all over Central and south America who have given me this platform, you guys have been amazing.”
As he put it, without Valen’s shoutout “none of this was possible.”
For more international players to watch at the 2026 World Cup, read on…
Eric Alonso/Getty ImagesLamine Yamal
Age: 18
World Cup Team: Spain
Current Soccer Club: FC Barcelona (Spain)
Position: Midfielder
Don’t let Yamal’s age fool you. In just two years since his debut, the Spaniard already has a UEFA European Football Championship under his belt. He was also the runner-up for the Ballon d’Or—also known as the “Golden Ball,” an award recognizing the best soccer player of the year—in 2025.
CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty ImagesLionel Messi
Age: 38
World Cup Team: Argentina
Current Soccer Club: Inter Miami CF (United States)
Position: Forward
History has its eyes on Messi, who is the most decorated player in the world of soccer. Not only is he the defending World Cup champion, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is on the cusp of becoming the first player to win back-to-back World Cups as the captain of his national team.
Clicks Images/Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo
Age: 41
World Cup Team: Portugal
Current Soccer Club: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Position: Forward
There’s a reason why Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest players of all time. After all, he’s scored over 970 goals in his career so far and shows no signs of stopping. He scored at least 100 goals while playing with each of his former clubs—Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus—as well as over 130 goals with his national team.
