Bellingham is currently recovering from a series of fitness setbacks, most notably a left hamstring injury sustained during a La Liga match with Real Madrid. He also underwent a procedure to fix a shoulder issue.

He missed significant time this season with Los Blancos due to these health issues, yet England manager Thomas Tuchel called him up to ensure elite depth in the midfield.

Jude Bellingham remains a major question mark for Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel selected a highly controversial World Cup roster, leaving out marquee stars like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Morgan Gibbs-White, although he gave an explanation about their absences.

Prior to the announcement, many believed Jude Bellingham would also miss the cut following a difficult, injury-marred season in Spain with Real Madrid that fell short of expectations.

Though Bellingham is not in peak form, he remains a vital asset. England face immense pressure as tournament contenders, meaning the loss of a top-tier playmaker would be costly for Tuchel.

A final chance to prove fitness before the World Cup

The match against New Zealand serves as England’s penultimate tune-up before they face Costa Rica on June 10 in their final international friendly.

While Bellingham sat out the starting lineup today, he could feature against Costa Rica to prove his match fitness. A solid performance there could convince Tuchel to start him on June 17 for England’s World Cup debut against Croatia.

For all wondering, yes! Tim Payne will start for New Zealand against England as par of the back four, alongside defenders Micahel Boxall, Finn Surman, and Liberato Cacace. The goalkeeper will be Max Crocombe. Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Eli Just, Sarpreet Singh, and Matt Garbett come as the five midfielders, with Chris Wood as the sole striker.

New Zealand needs to save face as the Kiwis lost to Haiti 4-0 less than a week ago. Now, this is a much harder test, and what New Zealand wants to avoid is to go to the 2026 World Cup after two thrashings.

England’s lineup vs. New Zealand

As for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Jordan Pickford starts in goal. Jarell Quansah, Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Djed Spence will be the four at the back. The midfielders will be Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, and Morgan Rogers. For the three up front, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, and Harry Kane. It’s a 4-3-3 formation for them.

This is the second-to-last friendly England will play before the 2026 World Cup. On June 10, the Three Lions will play vs. Costa Rica as their last test before participating in Group L against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup opponents

New Zealand and Tim Payne play in Group G of the 2026 World Cup against Iran, Egypt, and Belgium. Unfortunately for the Kiwis, it seems like a far stretch of the imagination to see them go through to the knockout phases.

New Zealand has played in two World Cups prior to this one (1982, 2010). Their task is not to go through, as they’ve never done it. However, they haven’t won a single game, amassing three defeats and three draws so far.

How to watch England vs New Zealand in the USA

Viewers across the United States can tune in to FOX Soccer Plus for live coverage of this highly anticipated matchup.

Streaming options are also available through Fubo and ViX, allowing fans to watch every minute of the action live.

Can I watch England vs New Zealand for free?

Soccer fans across the United States can stream this marquee contest live through Fubo, which carries the network airing the match nationwide.

While Fubo frequently provides a five-day free trial for new subscribers, so you can take advantage of it to watch the game live.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

England continue their World Cup preparations with a test against New Zealand as both teams look to build momentum before the tournament begins. The Three Lions are considered among the favorites to make a deep run, with Harry Kane leading a squad determined to compete for a place in the final.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are hoping to rebound from a 4-0 loss to Haiti, with Tim Payne and company seeking a confidence-boosting performance before their World Cup opener. With both sides looking to fine-tune their form, this matchup is one fans won’t want to miss.

England vs New Zealand: Predicted Lineups

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Mainoo; Rogers, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Bindon, Cacace; Stamenic, Rufer; Just, McCowatt, Randall; Wood.

What time is the England vs New Zealand match?

The match kicks off today, June 6, at 4:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 4:00 PM
Central Time: 3:00 PM
Mountain Time: 2:00 PM
Pacific Time: 1:00 PM

Per Daniel Avellaneda of Rivadavia 630, Argentinian side Deportivo Riestra is highly interested in signing Tim Payne. Per Avellaneda, Riestra is preparing a formal offer to Payne’s team , the Wellington Phoenix.

Payne’s bond with Argentina is as random as many things can be in 2026. After all, it was a random viral clip from an Argentinian that made him an overnight sensation, earning literally more than 4.5 million followers. Now, he is wanted by a team from Argentina. If Payne ends up playing in Argentina, it would be some sort of a ‘full circle‘ moment.

What’s Tim Payne’s position?

The New Zealander is a defender, but he is capable of playing both at center back and as a right back. At 32 years old, Payne has played in America before with Portland 2 in the 2016-2016 season. He’s also played for Blackburn in England.

He’s been with Wellington since 2019 after leaving Eastern Suburbs as a free agent. Payne has been a regular name for the Kiwis, as he has more than 50 appearances for the New Zealand national team.

How much would it cost Riestra to sign Payne?

If Deportivo Riestra want to sign Tim Payne, they have to understand he has a contract with Wellington until 2028. Per Transfermarkt, Payne has a market value of 350,000 euros. Now, depending on how Payne fares in the 2026 World Cup, the value could definitely shift.

New Zealand will play Iran, Egypt, and Belgium on Group G of the World Cup. Is not that tough of a group, but New Zealand still have very low expectations in this tournament. It is highly unlikely that they progress through to the knockout rounds.

How to watch Haiti vs New Zealand in the USA

Fans will have several ways to watch this highly anticipated matchup live. The game will air on FOX Deportes, while streaming options include Fubo and DirecTV Stream.

Each platform will provide live coverage of the event, giving viewers the chance to follow every key moment, game-changing sequence, and late drama as the action unfolds.

Can I watch Haiti vs New Zealand for free?

Soccer fans in the United States will be able to catch this marquee contest live on Fubo and DirecTV Stream, with each service carrying the channel broadcasting the event nationwide.

Viewers can also take advantage of free trial offers, including five days from Fubo and DirecTV Stream to watch the game live without an immediate subscription fee.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With both nations preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this international friendly offers a valuable opportunity to measure progress against fellow tournament qualifiers.

New Zealand enters the matchup looking to sharpen its game ahead of a challenging group-stage campaign against Belgium, Iran, and Egypt, with hopes of advancing to the Round of 32.

Haiti, meanwhile, is gearing up for a historic return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Drawn into a difficult group featuring Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland, the Caribbean side views every tune-up as a crucial step in its quest to make an impact on soccer’s biggest stage.

Haiti vs New Zealand: Predicted Lineups

Haiti (4-4-2): Pierre, Duverne, Adé, Delcroix, Expérience, Deedson, Bellgarde, Pierre, Providence, Isidor, Nazon.

New Zealand (4-4-2): Paulsen, Payne, Surman, Bindon, Just, Old, Bell, Stamenić, Randall, McCowatt, Barbarouses.

What time is the Haiti vs New Zealand match?

The match kicks off today, June 2, at 8:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
Central Time: 7:00 PM
Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

He remains an important part of Darren Bazeley‘s squad as New Zealand prepares for its first World Cup appearance since 2010. While the coaching staff is expected to rotate players, the defender is among the regular starters available.

Over the past week, the 32-year-old soccer player has become a social media sensation after an Argentine influencer launched a campaign that increased his Instagram following from just a few thousand to several million.

Is Tim Payne playing today against Haiti?

Tim Payne is available for New Zealand’s pre-World Cup friendly against Haiti and is expected to feature in the match. He was included in New Zealand’s official 26-man FIFA World Cup squad and traveled with the team to Florida.

New Zealand enters the game looking to build momentum and fine-tune its tactical approach ahead of the biggest tournament in international soccer. For players like Payne, every minute on the field represents a chance to prepare.

Will Tim Payne start or come off the bench vs Haiti?

Tim Payne is a strong candidate to start against Haiti, although New Zealand had not officially announced its lineup ahead of kickoff. Coach Darren Bazeley is expected to balance competitiveness with squad management.

He has been one of New Zealand’s most consistent defenders throughout the current cycle and is widely viewed as part of the team’s preferred back line. However, friendly matches often involve significant rotation.

The All Whites are also monitoring the fitness of several players as they approach their World Cup opener, meaning substitutions and adjusted workloads could play a role in Bazeley’s decision-making process.

Why is the Haiti friendly important for New Zealand before the World Cup?

The Haiti match is important because it is New Zealand’s final game before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Friendlies this close to a major tournament are often used to finalize tactical plans, evaluate player fitness and build confidence.

It also allows key players to gain valuable minutes after a long club season. Building chemistry across the team is particularly important for New Zealand, which will face significantly stronger opponents once the tournament begins.

Perhaps most importantly, the Haiti fixture offers the All Whites a chance to enter the World Cup with positive momentum. Strong performances in pre-tournament friendlies can help establish confidence and reinforce tactical ideas.

When is New Zealand’s first game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

New Zealand’s first match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is against Iran on June 15, 2026. The game will mark the All Whites’ return to soccer’s biggest stage after a 16-year absence from the tournament.

The opening fixture is expected to be one of the most important matches in New Zealand’s recent soccer history. A positive result would significantly improve the team’s chances of competing for a place in the knockout rounds.

Players such as Chris Wood, Tim Payne and Liberato Cacace are expected to form the backbone of a squad that blends experience with emerging talent. The group-stage opener will provide the first indication of how competitive they can be.

Who are New Zealand’s opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

New Zealand will face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The draw handed the All Whites a challenging path as they attempt to advance beyond the group stage for the first time.

Iran enters the tournament as one of Asia’s most successful national teams and arrives with considerable World Cup experience. The opening match against Iran could have a major impact on the final standings in the group.

Egypt brings international pedigree and several players with experience at the highest levels of club soccer. Their attacking quality makes them a dangerous opponent capable of troubling any team in the competition.

Belgium is widely viewed as the group’s favorite on paper. With players competing across Europe’s top leagues, the Red Devils will be expected to contend for first place in Group G.

He has earned more than 50 international appearances for New Zealand and has been recognized among the A-League’s top performers, including selection to the PFA Team of the Season and the A-League All Stars squad.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, however, he became a global sensation. After Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini launched a viral campaign to support what he called the tournament’s “least-known player”, his Instagram following exploded.

How old is Tim Payne?

Tim Payne is 32 years old. The defender was born on January 10, 1994, in Papakura, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. He belongs to a generation of All Whites players that helped bridge the gap between the country’s 2010 World Cup appearance and its return to the tournament in 2026.

Unlike many modern players who break through as teenagers at Europe’s biggest clubs, his path was more gradual. He developed in New Zealand’s domestic system before earning an opportunity abroad, steadily building a career based on reliability and versatility rather than superstar status.

How tall is Tim Payne?

Tim Payne stands 5-foot-10 (1.79 meters) tall. He combines mobility and endurance with defensive discipline, qualities that have helped him remain one of New Zealand’s most trusted full-backs throughout his career.

What are Tim Payne’s social media accounts?

Tim Payne is active on Instagram, where he recently became one of the most-followed New Zealand athletes on social media. His Instagram account is @timpayne__, which gained worldwide attention during May 2026.

The surge in popularity came after Argentine content creator Valen Scarsini launched a viral campaign encouraging soccer fans to follow Payne, describing him as the least-known player qualified for the World Cup.

The remarkable social media phenomenon transformed the veteran defender from a respected soccer professional into one of the most talked-about figures of the FIFA World Cup before a ball had even been kicked.

Is Tim Payne single?

No, Tim Payne is not single. The New Zealand defender is married to Michelle Peters, a model and professional photographer who has recently gained attention alongside her husband during the viral social media phenomenon.

According to reports from Marca, they got married in 2024 and later welcomed their first child. Peters has Costa Rican roots through her mother and New Zealand heritage through her father.

Despite their newfound fame, the couple has generally kept their personal life away from the spotlight, with most public appearances revolving around Payne’s soccer career and New Zealand’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

When did Tim Payne start playing soccer?

Tim Payne started playing soccer in the youth system of Auckland City FC, one of New Zealand’s most successful clubs. He developed through Auckland City’s academy before making the transition into senior soccer as a teenager.

After progressing through Auckland City‘s youth ranks, he moved to Waitakere United, where he played a significant role in the club’s youth success and established himself as one of New Zealand’s most promising young talents.

His breakthrough came after impressing at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which opened the door to opportunities overseas. In January 2012, shortly after turning 18, he signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Blackburn Rovers in England.

Although work permit issues limited his chances to play competitively for the first team, the move represented a major milestone in his development and marked the beginning of his professional career abroad.

Which teams has Tim Payne played for?

Tim Payne has played for seven teams so far: Auckland City, Waitakere United, Blackburn Rovers, Portland Timbers 2, Eastern Suburbs, Wellington Phoenix and the New Zealand national team.

He began his senior career with Auckland City before joining Waitakere United, where he continued his development. His performances at youth international level earned him a move to Blackburn Rovers in 2012.

After returning to New Zealand, he rejoined Auckland City before signing with Portland Timbers 2 in the United States‘ USL Championship. The experience gave him valuable exposure to a different style of play and helped him mature.

From 2016 to 2019, he starred for Eastern Suburbs, captaining the club to its first national championship since 1971. His leadership and consistency earned him a move to Wellington Phoenix in 2019.

Throughout this journey, he also cemented his place with New Zealand’s national team, earning more than 50 international appearances and becoming a regular starter for the All Whites.

Will Tim Payne be at the 2026 World Cup?

Yes, Tim Payne will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with New Zealand. The veteran defender was named in the All Whites’ official World Cup squad by head coach Darren Bazeley and is expected to be one of the key defensive players.

The 2026 edition marks New Zealand’s first appearance at the World Cup since South Africa 2010. He enters as one of the most experienced players in the squad, bringing more than a decade of international experience to the team.

New Zealand was drawn into Group G alongside Iran, Egypt and Belgium. He is expected to compete for a starting role as the All Whites attempt to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in the nation’s history.

Tim Payne’s career highlights

• Represented New Zealand at the FIFA U-17 World Cup (2011): Payne announced himself on the international stage at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico. Facing some of the best young talents in world soccer, he impressed scouts with his versatility and composure, helping put his name on the radar of clubs overseas.
• Earned a move to Blackburn Rovers in England (2012): After a successful trial, Payne signed with Blackburn Rovers in January 2012. At the time, it was one of the most significant transfers involving a young New Zealand defender. Although work permit restrictions and competition for places limited his first-team opportunities, the experience allowed him to train in one of the world’s most competitive soccer environments.
• Made his senior debut for New Zealand at age 18: Later in 2012, Payne debuted for the All Whites, beginning what would become a long international career. Over the next decade, he established himself as a regular member of the national team, appearing in World Cup qualifiers, Oceania tournaments, and international friendlies.
• Competed professionally in the United States: In 2015, Payne joined Portland Timbers 2 in the USL Championship. The move gave him valuable professional experience in North America and helped him continue his development after returning from England.
• Captained Eastern Suburbs to a historic national title: One of the defining achievements of Payne’s club career came in 2019 when he captained Eastern Suburbs to the New Zealand Football Championship title. It was the club’s first national championship since 1971, ending a 48-year wait and cementing his reputation as a leader on and off the field.
• Became a key player for Wellington Phoenix: After joining Wellington Phoenix in 2019, Payne quickly became one of the team’s most reliable defenders. His consistency, versatility, and experience helped him surpass 100 appearances for the club, making him one of the most recognizable New Zealand players in the A-League.
• Selected for the A-League All Stars: Payne’s performances at club level earned league-wide recognition when he was selected for the A-League All Stars squad. The honor placed him among the competition’s standout players and highlighted his reputation as one of the best full-backs in the league.
• Helped New Zealand qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: After years of representing the All Whites, Payne achieved one of the biggest goals of his career by helping New Zealand qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The qualification ended the country’s 16-year absence from the tournament and secured Payne’s place on soccer’s biggest stage for the first time.
• Reached more than 60 international appearances: Few New Zealand defenders have matched Payne’s longevity at international level. By 2026, he had accumulated more than 60 caps for the All Whites, becoming one of the most experienced players in the squad and a leader for younger teammates.
• Became a global social media phenomenon before the 2026 World Cup: In one of the most unusual stories of the tournament, Payne went viral weeks before the World Cup after Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini launched a campaign encouraging fans to follow him online. His Instagram account exploded from a few thousand followers to millions, transforming the veteran defender into one of the most talked-about players heading into the competition.
• Became one of the faces of New Zealand’s return to the World Cup: While stars like Chris Wood often receive most of the headlines, Payne’s combination of experience, leadership and consistency has made him one of the symbolic figures of New Zealand’s return to the World Cup. For many fans, his journey from Auckland youth soccer to the global stage represents one of the country’s great modern soccer success stories.

[Watch Ecuador vs New Zealand online in the US on Fanatiz]

New Zealand gears up for another high-profile test as the All Whites meet Ecuador in a friendly that offers both sides a chance to reset heading into the next international window. Ecuador enters this matchup searching for answers in the final third after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Canada.

This was its fifth scoreless result in the last eight outings and part of a seven-match run of stalemates that highlights elite defensive structure but a stagnant attack. New Zealand arrives after a competitive 2-1 loss to Colombia, a performance that showed promise despite the setback, and now aims to turn that momentum into a statement win.

When will the Ecuador vs New Zealand match be played?

Ecuador will face New Zealand in a 2025 international friendly game this Tuesday, November 18, with the match kicking off at 8:30 PM (ET).

Ecuador vs New Zealand: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:30 PM
CT: 7:30 PM
MT: 6:30 PM
PT: 5:30 PM

How to watch Ecuador vs New Zealand in the USA

This International Friendly clash between Ecuador and New Zealand will be available for viewers in the USA on Fanatiz PPV.

The team managed by Nestor Lorenzo struck early in the match, with Gustavo Puerta scoring just three minutes after kickoff. That early goal disrupted New Zealand, who struggled to find a response during the first half.

In the second half, Colombia had several opportunities to extend their advantage but failed to convert those chances. New Zealand capitalized on their opportunity, equalizing the score in the 80th minute through a goal by Ben Old.

However, just as the match appeared destined for a draw at Chase Stadium, Johan Carbonero took advantage of a defensive lapse to secure the victory for his side in the 88th minute. Following this win, Colombia will play their final match of 2025 against Australia on November 18th.

[Watch Colombia vs New Zealand online in the US on Fanatiz PPV]

Colombia enters the World Cup conversation as a legitimate contender thanks to a roster loaded with elite talent, headlined by James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, and the South American side is determined to sharpen its form before the tournament.

Lining up a test against New Zealand—Oceania’s top program and another World Cup participant—offers exactly the kind of high-level tune-up both nations want as they push to hit peak performance on the sport’s biggest stage.

When will the Colombia vs New Zealand match be played?

Colombia face off against New Zealand in a 2025 international friendly game this Saturday, November 16, with the match kicking off at 7:00 PM (ET).

Colombia vs New Zealand: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch Colombia vs New Zealand in the USA

This International Friendly clash between Colombia and New Zealand will be available for viewers in the USA on Fanatiz PPV.

This international friendly match pits two contrasting teams against each other: New Zealand, which has already secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup, and Poland, which is battling with Finland and the Netherlands for direct qualification to the upcoming tournament.

Lewandowski continues to be a pivotal figure for Poland, aiming to make a significant impact for his nation in the near-future tournament. Although he has scored only twice during this World Cup Qualifier campaign, he remains at the pinnacle of Poland’s all-time highest scorers list.

Furthermore, his wealth of experience provides invaluable support to squad members, enabling them to enhance their performance by learning from the challenges he has encountered throughout his illustrious career. Lewandowski stands as an inspiration for younger generations to pursue soccer fervently within the country.

Why is Robert Lewandowski not starting for Poland today?

Robert Lewandowski will not be in Poland’s starting lineup against New Zealand today. Instead, he will begin the match on the bench, a strategic move allowing the coaching staff to assess other emerging talents on the field. Fans can still look forward to Lewandowski’s entry during the match, adding a dynamic element to Poland’s lineup as the game progresses.

While Poland’s recent performances in the World Cup haven’t been particularly remarkable, their efforts in the qualifiers have told a different story. They have managed to qualify for the tournament nine times and are on the brink of securing their third consecutive appearance.

This promising outlook generates optimism among the fans back home. However, the reality remains challenging, and it could very well be Lewandowski’s final opportunity to help Poland improve and rise to the occasion in the imminent tests that lie ahead.