Elijah Just scores twice as New Zealand draws 2-2 with Iran

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 8:18 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Elijah Just scores twice as New Zealand draws 2-2 with Iran
Summary

New Zealand began their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against Iran at the Los Angeles Stadium. Elijah Just scored both goals for New Zealand, becoming the first player from Motherwell to score at a World Cup and the country's top scorer in finals history. Despite the notable performance, Just expressed disappointment as New Zealand aimed for three points in their opening game. Both teams now have one point each in Group G, alongside Belgium and Egypt, who drew earlier.

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By the Numbers
  • Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand in World Cup opener.
  • New Zealand led twice but settled for a draw with Iran.
  • Just is now the top scorer for New Zealand in World Cup history.
  • New Zealand shares one point with other teams in Group G.
Latest Updates
  • 8:18 AMYahoo SportsJust's 'incredible' World Cup 'adds zeros' to Well value
What they're saying
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Elijah Just was left "a little disappointed" despite scoring twice as New Zealand started their World Cup with a 2-2 draw with Iran that had BBC pundit Chris Sutton suggesting had "added a couple of zeros" on to the Motherwell midfielder's transfer value. The 26-year-old became the first Well player to score at a World Cup - and his country's top scorer ever at a finals - with two sublime finishes at Los Angeles Stadium. "It is a memory that'll last me for the rest of my life," Just said while paying tribute to captain Chris Wood, the 34-year-old Nottingham Forest striker, for setting up both goals.

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