New Zealand's Elijah Just rockets from lower leagues to World Cup glory in 2026

Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand against Iran in his first World Cup appearance, becoming the first Motherwell player to find the net at a World Cup.

Doubt turns to admiration quickly During Elijah Just's initial Motherwell match, his slight frame drew skepticism from the Fir Park crowd as he clashed shoulders with a robust Peterhead opponent. The 26-year-old from New Zealand was sent flying off the third-tier midfielder as the top-flight side chased an equalizer. Those initial doubts mirrored broader concerns about whether the style Jens Berthel Askou wanted to instill could thrive in Scotland. Within months, the Danish manager left for Ligue 1's Toulouse while Just emerged as a highlight of the World Cup after shining domestically. ## From modest signing to global moment When Motherwell secured Just from Horsens last summer, the move drew little fanfare despite his international pedigree. His only prior top-flight experience in Europe came from a single season in the Austrian second division, where he was loaned to SKN St Polten. Yet the 26-year-old dominated Scotland's top flight last term, earning a spot in the PFA Scotland team of the season and a shortlist for player of the year. Those achievements were surpassed in a single World Cup game, as he became Motherwell's first-ever World Cup scorer and New Zealand's all-time top marksman at a finals with two stunning strikes in a 2-2 draw with Iran in Los Angeles. ## A career-defining performance Just described the World Cup double as a moment he will treasure forever after delivering a standout showing. 'It is a memory that'll last me for the rest of my life,' he said following the display. 'It's incredible. It's not something I could even have dreamt of, so I'm just so happy. One was nice, so two was amazing.' ## System fits like a glove Just's ascent is even more impressive because he previously played under Askou at Horsens and struggled under the Dane's methods. Before arriving in Scotland, he had criticized the coach's direct style, yet it evolved into some of the finest football produced by a non-Old Firm side in years. On and off the pitch, Just was vital to that success, combining eye-catching play with strong statistics. Among attacking midfielders in the Premiership last season, only Celtic's Benjamin Nygren had a better combined goals and assists record. Just ranked third for successful dribbles, second for tackles, fourth for recoveries, and sixth for interceptions, while only three players had more shots on target per 90 minutes and one created more big chances. ## Expert hails his all-round mastery Former Hibernian and Celtic midfielder Scott Allan praised Just's all-around abilities, calling him 'a pure footballer.' 'He's quite slight, but his awareness, ability to play in tight areas and hurt you is brilliant,' Allan told a broadcaster. 'Forget the stats - on the eye test, he's been absolutely outstanding. He takes touches away from pressure, he has a picture of what he wants to do and he's really fit, so he runs off people a lot. The awareness of when to play one-touch, when to play two-touch and then having the creativity in the final third.' ## Transfer rumors heat up but focus remains sharp As speculation about his future intensifies, Just insisted he wants no distractions from his agent until after his World Cup duties conclude. A pundit who watched New Zealand's draw with Iran suggested Motherwell could command a much higher price, noting Celtic and Rangers were among clubs interested. 'Celtic should've snapped Just up before now,' the pundit said. 'Now it could really cost them. Tremendous performance from him.' With a year left on his current deal and an additional 12-month option held by the club, extracting Just would require a significant fee, especially after his World Cup heroics. ## Motherwell’s latest gem shines bright Motherwell, set to name a new manager soon, sold Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller for a record sum last summer. With Just still under contract and a club option for another year, the Lanarkshire side would need a substantial offer to part with their latest star performer. His rise from the Austrian second tier to World Cup stardom reflects a rapid transformation that few could have predicted just months ago.