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Youtuber swaps shirts with New Zealand player at World Cup match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 9:27 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Youtuber swaps shirts with New Zealand player at World Cup match
Summary

Gav Murphy, a Welsh content creator, met Kosta Barbarouses during the Iran vs. New Zealand World Cup match on June 16, 2026. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. Murphy attended the match after a long online friendship with Barbarouses, who has been a fan of Murphy's YouTube channel. Despite Wales not qualifying for the tournament, Murphy gifted Barbarouses a vintage Wales shirt after they swapped jerseys post-match. The atmosphere in the 70,000-seat stadium was vibrant, with significant support for the Iranian team amid their ongoing sociopolitical situation.

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By the Numbers
  • •Gav Murphy met Kosta Barbarouses at the World Cup in Los Angeles.
  • •Iran and New Zealand played to a 2-2 draw on June 16.
  • •The match drew around 70,000 fans, primarily supporting Iran.
  • •Murphy's friendship with Barbarouses began via social media.
  • •He gifted a 1990s Wales shirt during their jersey swap.
Latest Updates
  • 9:27 AMYahoo Sports — I swapped shirts with World Cup player who watches my YouTube channel
What they're saying
"

A Youtuber says he wanted to go to the World Cup to meet the player even though Wales didn't qualify.

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Soccer

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