An historic brace from Eli Just has helped the All Whites secure their first point at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an epic 2-2 draw with Iran.

The Motherwell star, the first All White to score twice in a FIFA World Cup match as he automatically became New Zealand's top scorer in the tournament.

Just, now the fifth New Zealander to score at a men's FIFA World Cup following Steve Sumner, Stephen Wooddin, Winston Reid and Shane Smeltz.

The result only the second time the All Whites have scored twice in a FIFA World Cup match and fourth time they've drawn at the tournament.

The 2-2 draw leaves New Zealand top of Group G after Egypt and Belgium drew 1-1 earlier today.

The match in Los Angeles opened with some nervy opening minutes from both teams, but the All Whites would gather their composure first.

A long raking ball from Max Crocombe found Chris Wood who delicately chested the ball down near the edge of the Iranian area.

The Kiwi captain combined with Eli Just and Sarpreet Singh as the New Zealand number 10 returned a flicked through ball to find the Nottingham Forest striker.

Wood controlled and lay off a floated pass to Eli Just, whose thunderous volley brought the Los Angeles crowd to their feet and gave New Zealand the perfect start.

The Kiwi pressure did not relent after the opener as the New Zealand attack created chances with Iran on the back foot. The All Whites nearly celebrated a second as Chris Wood’s scuffed shot caused panic in the Iranian penalty area after a set piece.

New Zealand had most of the impetus in the first half, with Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand forced into crucial saves after shots from Singh and Libby Cacace.

But Iran eventually found their feet towards the end of the first half as Mehdi Taremi fired the first warning shot as he rocked the post.

Iran hit back with their equaliser in the 32^nd minute after a deflected shot squirmed its way into the path of Iranian attacker Ramin Rezaeian.

There was a sigh of relief from the New Zealanders just before the break as Iran had the ball in the back of the net but their header following a free kick was ruled out for offside.

The All Whites absorbed a strong second half start from Iran and would have fans across the nation in delirium come the 54^th minute.

Eli Just again linked up with Chris Wood just outside the Iranian box. The All Whites captain’s deft pass emphatically finished off by Just for an historic double.

The New Zealand lead would be however short lived as Iran launched a frenetic counter. Mohammad Mohebi’s powerful header out of reach for Max Crocombe who could only watch the ball smack the post and go in to make it 2-2.

Substitutes Ben Old and Ryan Thomas added much needed freshness to the All Whites as they searched a third.

New Zealand culminated one last chance through Chris Wood but his guided header proved no problem for Iran’s goalkeeper as both sides settled for a 2-2 draw to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns.

The All Whites will search for their maiden FIFA World Cup win in their next match in Group G against Egypt on Monday 22 June with kick off at 1pm NZT.

New Zealand vs Egypt will be available live and free on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.

Full time

All Whites 2 (Elijah Just 54', 7')

Iran 2 (Mohammad Mohebi 64', Ramin Rezaeian 32')

Article added: Tuesday 16 June 2026