Dan Burn needed just 26 minutes against Mexico to become a World Cup cult hero, according to Metro columnist Kate Mason. The 6ft 7in Newcastle defender, who entered the match as a substitute, immediately made his mark by heading away a Raul Jimenez bicycle kick with nonchalance, cementing his place in football folklore.
Vozinha: The undisputed cult hero of 2026
Mason argues that this tournament belongs to cult heroes, with Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha leading the pack. At 40 years old, Vozinha shut out Spain and Uruguay before nearly eliminating Argentina in the round of 32. 'The greatest Cult Hero of 2026 is indisputably Vozinha,' Mason writes, highlighting his age and heroic performances.
Ecuador's manager joins the ranks
Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece also earned cult hero status after celebrating his side's victory over Germany by climbing into the stands, reminiscent of tennis star Pat Cash. 'He won hearts and minds with his Pat Cash-esque flight to the stands,' Mason notes.
Dan Burn: From bench to legend
Despite playing for England, a mainstream side, Burn has achieved cult hero status. 'It took him just 26 minutes against Mexico to reach Cult Hero Valhalla,' Mason writes. Burn himself said: 'I've been desperate to get on the pitch. I'm very proud to have played for England at a World Cup. I never thought I'd be saying that.'
Mason explains that Burn's relatability is key: 'He seems so normal. This is an elite athlete living his dream in front of our eyes.' She adds that for casual fans, Dan Burn is currently as famous as Lionel Messi.
Why cult heroes matter
Cult heroes allow fans to suspend disbelief and relate to players as if they were ordinary people. Mason contrasts Burn with Jude Bellingham, who is too talented to be a cult hero: 'He exists outside of human understanding. He is not like us.'
Erling Haaland: An unlikely cult hero
Norway's Erling Haaland, one of the world's best players, also qualifies as a cult hero, according to Mason. His goofy aesthetic and joyful celebrations after beating Brazil in the last 16, where he struck the Norwegian drum like a kid, endeared him to fans. 'Someone that successful has no right to be a cult hero but he is,' she writes.
England's path ahead
England face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Mason admits she is 'terrified' but acknowledges that the tournament has already delivered unforgettable moments. With three games remaining, the cult hero narrative continues to unfold.
