Blab Sports
Eli Justs Double Gives New Zealand 2-2 Draw With Iran in World Cup Debut
On 15 June 2026, the 2‑2 draw between New Zealand and Iran at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium marked the All Whites’ first World Cup match in 16 years. Eli Just, 26, who plies his trade with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, finished the game as the tournament’s first New Zealand brace, netting both of his country’s goals and earning the distinction of being the first All White to score twice in a World Cup match.
The match opened with a burst of New Zealand energy. Just struck early in the first half, delivering a low, curling volley from the edge of the box that slipped past goalkeeper Mehdi Taremi and into the net. Iran answered before the interval, with a quick counter that saw the host nation level the score. In the second half, the Iranian side added a second goal, taking a 2‑1 advantage. Yet Just, unflappable and precise, turned the tide once more with a composed finish from the right wing that restored parity and sent the match into a dramatic 2‑2 finish.
Just’s performance was a textbook showcase of his strengths. The 1.70‑metre winger has earned 40 caps for New Zealand and has been named Motherwell’s Player of the Year, the PFA’s Player of the Year, and a member of the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year. Known for his speed, composure in tight spaces, and the ability to finish from both the wing and central attacking positions, he was a decisive factor for the All Whites.
Motherwell captain Paul McGinn praised Just’s display, calling him “absolutely brilliant” and highlighting his sharpness and tactical awareness. Former All White Noel Barkley, who has followed Just’s progress, added that the Kiwi “is a quiet, humble player and the most unassuming footballer you’ll ever meet.”
New Zealand’s return to the World Cup after a 2006 absence was a milestone for the nation’s football program. The team entered Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium, and Iran, and the 2‑2 result leaves them level on one point each with their opponents. Their next outing, scheduled for 21 June against Egypt, will be crucial for any hope of advancing to the knockout stage.
Just’s double also underscores the growing presence of New Zealand talent in European leagues. After signing for Motherwell in 2025, he has become a key figure for the club, and speculation has surfaced that a move to a larger Scottish club, such as Celtic, could be on the horizon.
The match itself unfolded against a backdrop of political tension. Protests outside the stadium and a tentative cease‑fire agreement between the United States and Iran cast a shadow over the event, yet the game remained a fiercely contested affair, with both sides exchanging goals and neither yielding ground.
As the tournament progresses, New Zealand will need to build on the momentum from the draw. A victory over Egypt would catapult the All Whites into the top two of Group G and secure a place in the knockout rounds. For Just, the performance confirms his status as a central figure in the campaign and elevates his profile on the international stage.
The World Cup will continue through 19 July, with New Zealand’s subsequent fixtures determining whether the team can advance beyond the group stage. The outcome of the upcoming match against Egypt will be decisive.
In the meantime, Just remains a focal point for New Zealand’s hopes, and his future club prospects will be closely watched by both domestic and European observers.
The match opened with a burst of New Zealand energy. Just struck early in the first half, delivering a low, curling volley from the edge of the box that slipped past goalkeeper Mehdi Taremi and into the net. Iran answered before the interval, with a quick counter that saw the host nation level the score. In the second half, the Iranian side added a second goal, taking a 2‑1 advantage. Yet Just, unflappable and precise, turned the tide once more with a composed finish from the right wing that restored parity and sent the match into a dramatic 2‑2 finish.
Just’s performance was a textbook showcase of his strengths. The 1.70‑metre winger has earned 40 caps for New Zealand and has been named Motherwell’s Player of the Year, the PFA’s Player of the Year, and a member of the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year. Known for his speed, composure in tight spaces, and the ability to finish from both the wing and central attacking positions, he was a decisive factor for the All Whites.
Motherwell captain Paul McGinn praised Just’s display, calling him “absolutely brilliant” and highlighting his sharpness and tactical awareness. Former All White Noel Barkley, who has followed Just’s progress, added that the Kiwi “is a quiet, humble player and the most unassuming footballer you’ll ever meet.”
New Zealand’s return to the World Cup after a 2006 absence was a milestone for the nation’s football program. The team entered Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium, and Iran, and the 2‑2 result leaves them level on one point each with their opponents. Their next outing, scheduled for 21 June against Egypt, will be crucial for any hope of advancing to the knockout stage.
Just’s double also underscores the growing presence of New Zealand talent in European leagues. After signing for Motherwell in 2025, he has become a key figure for the club, and speculation has surfaced that a move to a larger Scottish club, such as Celtic, could be on the horizon.
The match itself unfolded against a backdrop of political tension. Protests outside the stadium and a tentative cease‑fire agreement between the United States and Iran cast a shadow over the event, yet the game remained a fiercely contested affair, with both sides exchanging goals and neither yielding ground.
As the tournament progresses, New Zealand will need to build on the momentum from the draw. A victory over Egypt would catapult the All Whites into the top two of Group G and secure a place in the knockout rounds. For Just, the performance confirms his status as a central figure in the campaign and elevates his profile on the international stage.
The World Cup will continue through 19 July, with New Zealand’s subsequent fixtures determining whether the team can advance beyond the group stage. The outcome of the upcoming match against Egypt will be decisive.
In the meantime, Just remains a focal point for New Zealand’s hopes, and his future club prospects will be closely watched by both domestic and European observers.
