Who is Elijah Just? The first All White to score twice at a World Cup

Elijah Just celebrates scoring the All Whites’ first goal during the Group G match between Iran and New Zealand. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Photo: Harry How

The All Whites found a new goal-scoring hero in a 2-2 draw with Iran in their opening Football World Cup game in Los Angeles.

New Zealand’s return to the global stage after 16 years wrote Eli Just’s name into the history books.

The diminutive midfielder, who plays his club football in the Scottish Premiership, became the first All White to score twice at a World Cup.

Here’s what to know about Eli Just:

Born in Palmerston North, Eli Just is of Chinese descent through his mother.

The 26-year-old plays for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell.

Despite his small 1.70m (5ft 6in) frame, he is comfortable with headers and is a smart attacker who thrives in tight spaces.

He is often used on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder for both club and country.

Just debuted for the All Whites at just 19 – playing in an international friendly against Ireland – and says it has been rewarding to move from being a fan to wearing the strip, especially having his parents in the stand when the side qualified for the World Cup against New Caledonia in March 2025.

It was “pretty special”, he told RNZ.

Signing for Motherwell last year was another important step in ensuring his form would help him earn selection and game time at the World cup, he told the Friends of Football website.

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