New Zealand played Iran to a 2-2 draw in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 15, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Elijah Just scored both goals for New Zealand, becoming the country's fifth-ever World Cup goalscorer and the first New Zealand player to score more than once at a World Cup [1, 2, 3, 4]. Both goals were assisted by captain Chris Wood [1, 2, 3, 4].
Just, 26, was born in Palmerston North to a Chinese mother and German father [1, 2, 3, 4]. He currently plays for Motherwell in Scotland and is the first player from the club to feature and score at a World Cup [1, 2, 3, 4]. In the 2025-2026 season, Just scored 7 goals in 35 games for Motherwell and was nominated for player of the year [1, 2, 3].
Just earned his first New Zealand cap at 19 and has since made 45 appearances and scored 11 goals, placing him joint eighth on the country’s all-time scoring list [1, 2, 3]. He played a key role in New Zealand’s qualification campaign by scoring four goals, including one in their 3-0 win over New Caledonia [1, 2, 3].
New Zealand are competing in only their third FIFA World Cup and their first in 16 years [1, 2, 3]. The match was played in a politically charged atmosphere, with some fans booing Iran’s national anthem and celebrating New Zealand’s first goal in a way critical of the Iranian government [4].
Reflecting on the draw, Just said, "I think we showed today that we’re a dangerous team. You can’t be disappointed. A point in the World Cup is always tough to get" [4].
New Zealand's next match in the tournament is scheduled to build on this initial result.
