Grammy-winning rapper T-Pain will, unfortunately, not be participating in FIFA World Cup matches anytime soon … but who’s going to tell DoorDash?During the New Zealand vs. Egypt match on June 21, the food delivery company tagged T-Pain nine times in a series of World Cup-related X posts, seemingly mistaking the “Buy U a Drank” artist for New Zealand defender Tim Payne. However, no mistakes were actually made on DoorDash’s end. The public back-and-forth with T-Pain was all a planned stunt, the brand told PRWeek."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?’” T-Pain explained in a statement. “I had to team up with DoorDash to show my fellow T-Pain (Payne) some love.”DoorDash’s initial T-Pain mentions on June 21 included: “Egypt has pyramids. New Zealand as @TPAIN,” “This is when true goats show up, @TPAIN the game is in your hands!” and “Ok everybody relax, @TPAIN has a plan.” What a first half for @TPAIN's New Zealand.���� a country known for birds now has a legendary goat��— DoorDash (@DoorDash) June 22, 2026The rapper responded six times, asking DoorDash, “Are you all ok? @DoorDash stop tagging me in these soccer posts,” and predicting, “The intern is gonna sh*t a brick when they realize.”I’m playing dubstep at Red Rocks �� what exactly do you want me to do? https://t.co/x89BtrkO0B— T-Pain (@TPAIN) June 22, 2026“Early in the tournament, we noticed Tim Payne was having a moment as New Zealand's breakout fan favorite,” a DoorDash spokesperson explained in a statement. “We couldn't ignore that the internet's most beloved musician shares a nearly identical name.”The nine DoorDash X posts have racked up 7,500 likes and 400 comments as of June 23. Since the posts began, Google searches for T-Pain spiked 9% after the DoorDash mix-up. Following T-Pain’s replies, DoorDash attempted amends. The brand posted a meme writing, “To everyone who saw my tweets last night … no you didn’t.” to everyone who saw my tweets last night... no you didn't. �� pic.twitter.com/kE7MbOTx9n— DoorDash (@DoorDash) June 22, 2026The brand also sent dozens of red, insulated bags to T-Pain, filled with soccer balls, TimTam bars and kiwis – a possible nod to New Zealand. T-Pain posted a haul captioned, “I do not play soccer. And I did not order all of this sh*t! @DoorDash come get this man’s stuff #DoorDashPartner.”I do not play soccer. And I did not order all this shit!!! @DoorDash come get this man’s stuff #DoorDashPartner pic.twitter.com/MQ6UQSnlh1— T-Pain (@TPAIN) June 22, 2026Shortly after, DoorDash seemingly confirmed to its 257,000 X followers that the T-Pain back-and-forth may have been planned, writing, “The goat is missing his penalty on purpose so that he breaks the record with a ‘real’ goal.” the goat missing his penalty on purpose so that he breaks the record with a "real" goal⚽️ pic.twitter.com/DPJvpwDhaR— DoorDash (@DoorDash) June 22, 2026"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, football,” the DoorDash spokesperson explained. This story first appeared on PRWeek U.S.